Training Provider Briefing Session 9.15am Welcome 9.20am Walsall Works 9.40am AGE Grant 10.00am Q&A session 10.30am Networking 11.00am Close

Walsall Works Walsall Works will stimulate sustainable employment within local businesses and support young people into work

The Jobseeker Challenge 27,860 residents out of work 10,820 Jobseekers (all ages) 3, yr old Jobseekers One third 6 months+ unemployed 15% rise on youth unemployment since Dec % (830) yr olds are NEET

The Economic Challenge 7,200 active enterprises in Walsall Active enterprises fallen since 2008 by 3.7% Business deaths outnumber business births Need to access new markets Access to finance Skills gaps and high skilled shortages High innovation, new products, advanced processes

The Response £2 million financial investment by Walsall Council Commitment to stimulate economic growth Supporting and sustaining employers Creating conditions for employment Unlocking new job opportunities Tackling youth unemployment

Listening to our Customers Using primary research methods Talking to our customers at local settings Meeting with private sector employers Understanding data intelligence ie LEA, Sectors Consultation with our partners

Walsall Council Enablers Employers Connexions Jobcentre Plus YOT / LAC Providers SFA / YPLA Chamber Colleges Schools IYPSS / EBP NAS Young People

More practical and work based learning Apprenticeships are more hands on Do not want classroom settings Looking for work but not easy Applying for jobs but no feedback Competition with more experienced jobseekers

Employers Recruitment has been stalled Financial constraints are a key issue Lack of understanding apprenticeships Perception of red tap and bureaucracy Fear of employing young people but they would “Recruit for attitude then train for skills”

A ‘Deal’ with Employers Complementing the Youth Contract More targeted support for young jobseekers A wage subsidy of £2275 for those on Work Programme AGE Grant Incentive payments of £1500 for SME’s Walsall Works will offer: A wage subsidy of £3000 per person (or a top up to £3000) First start up payment on 4 weeks placement Mid point apprenticeship payment to reward retention Final payment on confirmation of sustainable employment

Growth Employment Sectors Manufacturing and Engineering Environmental Technologies Financial, Professional & Business Services Creative and Digital Services Health & Social Care Logistics

A ‘Deal’ with Young People Pre-Apprenticeship programme Young Persons incentive allowance Functional skills (literacy / numeracy) Employability skills Work experience Intensive job / apprenticeship search Progression to a Apprenticeship

A ‘Deal’ with Apprentices Breaking the cycle of unemployment Positive pathway Apprenticeship placement of at least 12 months Route to sustainable employment On site / off site training Accredited qualification Minimum hourly rates Supervision, mentoring, development

Outcomes 190 pre-apprenticeship opportunities Targeted supported to vulnerable groups & families 550 new young apprentices Approx 550 new jobs created Employers recognising value of young people Return on Investment ie turnover, productivity, sales Utilising SFA funds / Employer contributions

The Process