Issue - meetings

Aspire Shared Apprenticeship Programme

Meeting: 10/02/2021 - Regeneration Scrutiny Committee (Item 6)

6 Aspire Shared Apprenticeship Programme pdf icon PDF 710 KB

To consider the report of the Skills Development Manager.

Minutes:

Consideration was given to report of the Skills Development Manager.

 

The Skills Development Manager presented the report which provided an update on the performance of the Aspire Programme and associated external business engagement; and the performance information on the BGCBC internal apprenticeship programme.

 

The Officer went through the report and highlighted points contained therein.  To date the Aspire Shared Apprenticeship Programme had:

 

·        Recruited and supported 84 apprentices placed in over 20 manufacturing companies across Blaenau Gwent in addition to employment of 10 apprentices within Council departments.

·        51% of apprentices within Cohorts 1 & 2 (2015 & 2016) have progressed onto higher education/HNC.

·        100% of apprentices on cohort 1 have been employed, of which 67% retained within host employer.

·        Framework completed: Cohort 1 –83%, Cohort 2 – 79%

·        100% of apprentices in cohorts 1-5 have had the opportunity to rotate to another company to fulfil skills gaps.

 

In 2020, 17 Apprentices were furloughed due to Covid. This was the largest number at any one time with some apprentices being placed longer than others. The priority during that period was to support the Apprentices and help them to continue their learning through college, usually virtual lessons and continue where possible NVQ work. In addition, the Aspire Team supported them with their health and wellbeing to guide them through uncertain times with encouragement and open communication.

 

The Officer confirmed that no apprentices on the Aspire Programme were made redundant during this period of time and have all since returned to their work place.  It was felt that the support provided to apprentices by the Aspire Programme Team, along with employers facilitated this outcome.

 

A Member commended the report and said it was good to see Aspire being recognised throughout Wales.  He then asked whether Tai Calon had taken on any apprenticeships.

 

In response the Officer confirmed that discussions had taken place with Tai Calon on the Corporate Traineeship Programme.  She pointed out that Aspire was initially set up to facilitate manufacturing and engineering apprenticeships, and many of the skills offered by Tai Calon related to the construction industry.  However, she was aware that 2 or 3 people on the Corporate Traineeship Programme had progressed to an apprenticeship through those routes.  Engagement would also be undertaken with Monmouthshire’s Apprenticeship Trainee Programme as they had the skills with CITB to facilitate that area of learning.  In terms of other apprenticeships from an internal perspective, discussions had also been undertaken with ALT to highlight any opportunities that may arise.

 

A Member referred to the fact that of the 30 apprentices, 91% are male and 9% female, and asked how this compared with the situation across Wales.

 

The Officer explained that it depended on the sector, manufacturing and engineering was a male dominated industry, and BG was on a par with other LA’s.  In terms of apprenticeships across Wales there was a more balanced approach with female apprenticeships, and there had been many initiatives established to encourage more females into the industry. 

 

In terms of apprenticeships within  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6