Issue - meetings

The Executive Member will consider a report which will provide him with an update on apprenticeships in the city.

Resolved:

i.             That the contents of the report be noted.

Reason: To continue to encourage the creation of apprenticeship opportunities in York, by supporting local businesses to access available funding and to support routes to employment for local residents.

The Executive Member considered a report which provided him with an update on apprenticeships in the city. The Skills Team Manager was in attendance to present the report and respond to questions.

Key points raised during the presentation of the report included:

·        Recovery in terms of numbers of apprenticeships since the pandemic began was on track slightly higher than the national average, but figures were still well below pre-pandemic levels at 82% of previous numbers.

·        However, there had been a surge in apprenticeship vacancies since July, with over 200 per week, up from 20 at its lowest point during the pandemic.

·        50% vacancies were in retail, hospitality and tourism sectors, which was an increase on the pre-pandemic figure of around 30%.

·        There were over 2000 apprenticeships currently undertaken in York.

·        Officers spoke on the work of the Impartial Apprenticeships Hub, which included regular weekly mailing, Facebook events and business engagement.

·        There were 53 apprentices at the Council, of which 17 had started within the last 6 months and 10 were new to CYC.

·        £519,000 had been spent on supporting apprenticeships since the inception of the Apprenticeship Levy, of which £119,000 had been spent in the last 6 months. The vast majority of this money was spent supporting apprentices working for the Council.

·        Work was being done to ensure the least amount of levy as possible expires each month, with around £10,000 less expiring each month compared to the same period in 2020.

·        Levy transfer had been well received, and there had been 6 requests representing £75,000 and 6 other active enquiries e.g. from software developers, digital marketing and in the early years sector. Should these be approved their funding would be £117,000.

·        An update on the Education and Skills Funding Agency was given. Officers noted that apprenticeship incentives had been extended until January 2022 and a bulk levy transfer system was available, and that the Council had applied to be a member of the Flexible Apprenticeship scheme, but would not know whether they were successful until December 2021.

The Executive Member noted:

·        He thanked officers for their work and for focusing on spending apprenticeship levy money locally.

·        It was important to emphasise that the levy was not a simple 3% flat tax, since the unallocated apprenticeship levy money could be accessed by businesses in the city.

·        That the Council should promote the Kickstart Scheme as a valuable asset, especially for 18-24 year olds who may have found it harder to gain experience over the pandemic.

Resolved:

i.             That the contents of the report be noted.

Reason: To continue to encourage the creation of apprenticeship opportunities in York, by supporting local businesses to access available funding and to support routes to employment for local residents.