Apprenticeships
Adult services will reap the benefits of data
A pioneering initiative funded through the apprenticeship levy is aimed at fostering a community of adult social care data analysts, poised to shape best practices, says Sam Villis.
National Apprenticeship Week: Focusing on local talent needs
A co-ordinated effort between businesses, metro mayors, local authorities, and the Government is required to implement a comprehensive national skills strategy, says Nicola Hay MBE.
Social care career reforms ‘only scratch the surface’
The Government today announced new measures to improve the career prospects of social care staff but concerns remain that this ‘may only scratch the surface’ of the workforce crisis.
Partnerships will unlock potential of Oxfordshire’s children
Children and young people are at the heart of Oxfordshire’s partnership approach – a shared vision to give them the very best start in life, says Cllr John Howson.
Don’t get trapped by cutting your training
Council services need to change with the times and investing in training is the only way to compete for the best and brightest people to improve your borough, writes Cllr Rowan Ree.
Local government lawyers: filling the age gaps
Councils are struggling to recruit experienced lawyers due to the impact of historical cost cutting, and the sector is not training the next generation. Deborah Evans looks at what can be done.
London Councils eyes apprenticeship levy devolution
London Councils has named securing devolution of the apprenticeship levy to its boroughs to fund skills and employment activity as a key short-term priority.
Public sector procurement – social value
A look at how Crown Commercial Service (CCS) is working with local government to build social value into procurement.
Effective collaboration can help rising costs
Qwest is a joint venture between Equans and Cheshire West & Chester Council that allows an innovative vehicle to make changes quickly, delivering continuous improvements and savings for the council, says Ben Cummins.
County leaders call for ‘adult education revolution’
County council leaders have urged the Government to ‘fast track’ devolution deals to help boost the number of people taking part in adult education.
Time for a new approach?
When it comes to attracting talent, Stephen Hoban asks if we are trying to plan for tomorrow with yesterday’s strategy?
Making a modern digital council
Philip Glanville and Rob Miller set out how Hackney LBC is playing a key role in progressing digital local government, including through cross-sector collaborations and an ambitious apprenticeship programme.
Solving the digital skills challenge
David Palmer asks if the Government will hit the 2025 targets set out in the 'Transforming for a digital future' policy paper.
Labour told its apprenticeships overhaul will need funding
Labour is coming under pressure to back its commitment to overhaul the ‘failing’ apprenticeships system with ‘significant, long-term funding’.
Shining a light on London’s apprenticeship challenges
We must increase take up of apprenticeships among young and diverse Londoners, and more flexibility in how the Apprenticeship Levy can be spent is needed, says Rokhsana Fiaz.
Apprenticeship training: Looking to the future
Agnieszka Gajli looks at how apprenticeships can develop the next generation of public sector professional.
The skills formula
The Prime Minister’s first speech of 2023 included an emphasis on creating a better-educated and trained workforce. How can devolution and local government help? Ann McGauran reports.
How to win the war to attract talent
In the context of a tough public sector recruitment market and the cost of living crisis, Gordon McFarlane considers how councils can attract and keep hold of talent.
Leaders welcome call for £1bn skills funding
At least £1.1bn a year should be handed to devolved areas of England and communities to help them tackle skills shortages and drive economic growth, a new report from think-tank EDSK has urged.
It’s payback time Dudley style
Shaun Keasey outlines how Dudley MBC is getting community payback following the introduction of its social value policy. He says the approach is making a massive impact locally.