1. BESPOKE PROGRAMME 2003-2009

2. Why apprenticeships? Ageing workforce Ageing workforce Low representation of younger workers Low representation of younger workers

3. Promotion Long term view Long term view Careers with Leicestershire County Council Careers with Leicestershire County Council Role models Role models

4. Selection process Entry criteria Entry criteria Paper shortlisting Paper shortlisting Assessment day Assessment day Departmental selection Departmental selection

5. Bespoke provision Training officers are council staff Training officers are council staff Courses put into a public sector setting Courses put into a public sector setting Awareness of the advantages and limitations of working in local government Awareness of the advantages and limitations of working in local government Make links across departments for new learners Make links across departments for new learners

6. Close links with managers Pre-recruitment meeting Pre-recruitment meeting Regular reviews Regular reviews Joint resolution of issues Joint resolution of issues Tailored projects Tailored projects Reinforcement of Council rules Reinforcement of Council rules

7. Flexible delivery method One to one NVQ tutorials weekly/bi- weekly/monthly to suit the candidate One to one NVQ tutorials weekly/bi- weekly/monthly to suit the candidate Technical certificate delivered by a 14 week half day course or distance learning Technical certificate delivered by a 14 week half day course or distance learning Key skills completed on portfolio building days with exam preparation done through refresher courses or longer periods of training Key skills completed on portfolio building days with exam preparation done through refresher courses or longer periods of training

8. Retention and achievement rates After five years, 75% of students were still working for Leicestershire County Council After five years, 75% of students were still working for Leicestershire County Council 2006/7 19 starts, 15 frameworks, 3 continuing 2006/7 19 starts, 15 frameworks, 3 continuing 2007/8 25 starts, 16 frameworks, 8 continuing 2007/8 25 starts, 16 frameworks, 8 continuing

9. Future challenges Adult apprenticeships Adult apprenticeships Maintaining quality through growth Maintaining quality through growth