Issue - meetings

This report provides an update on City of York Council’s approach to apprenticeships and employment offer to young people and seeks Members’ approval to continue with planned work.  Members are also asked to approve recommendations to increase Year 1 apprenticeship pay.

Resolved:    (i)    That the Executive notes the following progress and plans:

·               the further development of the council’s in-house apprenticeship and future workforce offer, aligned to future skills need;

·               to increase pre-apprenticeship provision by CYC, through structured work experience and supported traineeship/internship programmes, in line with city-wide initiatives;

·               to ensure that CYC upholds its responsibility as corporate parent to vulnerable groups (including children living in care, care leavers, NEET and SEND populations) through ring-fenced access to work placements and support in gaining apprenticeships.

(ii)          That the Executive agree to increase current Year 1 pay in line with National Minimum Wage increases from October 1st 2015 and review annually in line with other council employee groups.

Reason:     To ensure Executive members are informed of the CYC approach to apprenticeships and that proposals are aligned with likely national policy direction.

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Customer and Business Support Services which provided an update on the Council’s approach to apprenticeships and employment offer to young people.

The Executive Member highlighted the recent fall in numbers on the apprenticeship programme and the need to lead by example as a positive role model for apprentice and traineeship employers across the city.  He also expressed support for the increase in Year 1 pay in line with the National Minimum Wage and for regular reports back on the schemes progress.

Other Members also expressed support for the aim to improve representation from the vulnerable and hard to reach groups through supported recruitment and targeted campaigns.

It was noted that there were no alternative options for recommendation a) which asked members to note the progress and plans as outlined in the report and thatMembers could choose to agree or to disagree with the proposed increase to Year 1 apprentice pay rates at recommendation b).

Resolved:     (i)   That the Executive notes the following progress and plans:

·        the further development of the council’s in-house apprenticeship and future workforce offer, aligned to future skills need;

·        to increase pre-apprenticeship provision by CYC, through structured work experience and supported traineeship/internship programmes, in line with city-wide initiatives;

·      to ensure that CYC upholds its responsibility as corporate parent to vulnerable groups (including children living in care, care leavers, NEET and SEND populations) through ring-fenced access to work placements and support in gaining apprenticeships.

(ii)          That the Executive agree to increase current Year 1 pay in line with National Minimum Wage increases from October 1st 2015 and review annually in line with other council employee groups.^1.

Reason:     To ensure Executive members are informed of the CYC approach to apprenticeships and that proposals are aligned with likely national policy direction.