Apprenticeships
Reflections on 2021
Julie Towers looks back on the past 12 months, anticipates what will be in store in the new year and assesses how the sector needs to adapt to keep up with the pace of change.
Putting the people first in Breckland
Breckland DC’s new chief executive Maxine O’Mahony talks to Ann McGauran about how her HR background colours her priorities, and the council’s ‘grow your own’ approach to staff development.
Skills to even out life’s opportunities
We can’t hope to level up until we build on the Spending Review cash pledges and fundamentally reform the skills and apprenticeship system, writes Sir Paul Carter.
Councils need funding certainty
London’s local services face pressures of up to £2bn over the Spending Review period, says Cllr Darren Rodwell. The chancellor must empower councils to tackle the most momentous challenges we face today, he argues.
Helping care leavers thrive
Jon Rouse highlights Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s progress in supporting care leavers. Getting things right ‘starts with the basics’, he says.
Getting bid quality right
Using Oldham’s regeneration strategy as an example, Stephen Cox presents his guide to the three key themes he says should form the backbone of high quality bids for levelling up cash.
Coalition calls for reforms to ‘flawed’ apprenticeship levy
The Government has been urged to make urgent reforms to the 'flawed' apprenticeship levy by a coalition by local government and major employers in London.
NAO - jobs support must align with wider government recovery strategy
The Department for Work and Pensions’ pandemic jobs support must align with the wider government economic recovery strategy, says the public spending watchdog.
BUDGET 2021: Furlough scheme extended until autumn
The chancellor has extended the furlough scheme and announced further funding for apprenticeships in a bid to soften the impact of COVID-19 on jobs.
BUDGET 2021: Sunak's lifeline for workers and business
Rishi Sunak’s Budget is expected to provide a lifeline for workers as the furlough scheme is extended to September while the universal credit £20 uplift could also be prolonged for six months.
Transforming the jobs outlook for young people in Essex
Nicole Wood outlines how Essex CC has committed to creating 1,000 new entry level jobs for young people, of all abilities, within 12 months, using an ambitious three pronged approach.
Apprenticeships are the future for digital transformation
In the battle for digital talent, apprenticeships can be local government’s secret weapon, says Euan Blair.
Chancellor confirms £2bn jobs scheme for young people
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced a £2bn ‘kickstart scheme’ for jobs to prevent an entire generation of young people being ‘left behind’.
Chancellor unveils his three-part plan for jobs
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced the next phase of his plan to ‘protect, support and retain’ jobs in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.
Councils are not benefiting from the value that diversity brings
Stephen Jeffery says councils are falling short when it comes to making the most of the diversity and value brought by apprenticeships.
Government must now connect with the 'just about managing'
This government has made many commitments, especially to the new Tory heartlands of the Midlands and the North, says Paul Wheeler. These will need a determination and sense of purpose that has been lacking in previous administrations, he adds.
Designing a new apprenticeship for the sector
Amy Newnham describes how Adur and Worthing councils are working alongside a band of employers to create a service design apprenticeship qualification.
Kent’s very own powerhouse
Cllr Paul Carter has stepped down as leader of Kent CC. Now he plans to apply his energies to local care and the vocational agenda, including apprenticeships. Ann McGauran reports
Levelling the skills divide
If local and national Government want to counter northern citizens feeling ‘left-behind’, the young need the prospect of real jobs writes Claire Fox.
The sector has a key role in reforming the Apprenticeship Levy
It's two years since the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy, and John O'Brien feels like it is time for employers including councils to be able to use it more flexibly.
