Issue - items at meetings - Update on Apprenticeships

26.1    The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Environment, Development and Housing which provided an overview of progress made in creating apprenticeships for young people in the council and in supporting the take-up of apprenticeships amongst businesses in the city.

26.2    In answer to questions by Councillor Smith, the Recruitment, Strategy and Delivery Manager explained that payment was in line with the minimum wage and that the activities undertaken by the council to support apprenticeships was on-going.

26.4    In answer to questions by Councillors Hawtree and Randall it was confirmed that a successful bid had been made to support disadvantaged individuals by providing work placements with the aim of helping them to secure employment. The focus remained on young people who were disadvantaged, not in education, employment or training NEET’s and or were affected by the benefit changes. The council would continue to work with training providers and internal council services including Looked After Children, the Youth Employability Service and Benefit Teams.

26.5    Councillor Robins referred to the need to seek to ensure that opportunities were provided for local young people citing that there were a number of building and other schemes under way locally which were undertaken by firms from outside the city.

26.6    Councillor Randall stressed the role to be played by City College and others in providing vocations skills courses which provided opportunities to “grow” local skills.

26.7    RESOLVED – That the Committee note the progress made in creating apprenticeships in the council and supporting the take-up of apprenticeships amongst businesses in the city.