Maximising Opportunities for Kent’s Young People
Technical Paper 3
Apprenticeships for all
Apprenticeship for All (A4A) is a new programme to increase apprenticeship numbers across
KCC. The programme has been established in response to the introduction of the
apprenticeship levy. Kent County Council has been given a levy of 0.5% on its annual salary
bill and will have to pay a figure of £3.2 million from April 2017. As a public sector
organisation KCC will be set a 2.3% target of apprenticeship, as part of the Government
drive to achieve 3 million apprenticeships. KCC will have one overall target and this is
broken down into two separate targets one for Non schools (KCC) and the other for schools
staff. This is based on KCC’s headcount and how the authority shows the employment of
staff across the directorates.
The A4A programme will assist young people and adults to gain employment within KCC
irrespective of their academic background, or qualifications through pre apprenticeship and
apprenticeship opportunities. The aim of the programme is to create employment
pathways for all, support will be provided if required as part of the programme to ensure
young people and adults can enter the pathways of their choice.
The A4A programme supports workforce development ensuring there are appropriate and
accessible apprenticeship opportunities within KCC to upskill the existing workforce. The
programme will identify skills, training opportunities, develop new skills and training
provision to meet the future skills needs of KCC by maximising the Levy funding this is a key
aim of the programme.
Access to the levy will be available if the candidate is recruited on to a suitable
apprenticeship programme. The suitability of the position will be assessed depending on
the role to make sure that it matches the requirement of the apprenticeship containing
elements of training and on the job experience. The apprentice will need to work towards a
Level 2 in Maths and English but there would be no requirement to have a set grade e.g.
grade C in English or Maths as part of the entry requirement. Each apprentice would be
given the necessary support to achieve the required Maths and English qualification whilst
on the programme, through KCC’s new online Maths and English courses.
It is proposed that HR will remove the Maths and English requirements for employment for
an apprenticeship and KCC will provide extra support and time to achieve the necessary
qualifications for the apprenticeship.
KCC wants to enhance its existing apprenticeship programme in order for it to become a
quality brand by celebrating the success of our apprentices through the annual
apprenticeship award, providing additional mentoring support through peer to peer groups
and manager support. The A4A apprenticeship programme will also provide a range of career
opportunities including new degree level apprenticeship.
A4A Targets and outline of pre-apprentice opportunities
Non-Schools
Apprenticeships for all
KCC Schools
Portal
Work Experience
Work Experience
(Target 80)
(Target 160)
Internships
(Traineeships)
Internships
(Traineeships)
(Target 30)
(Target 60)
Supported internships
- Job coach’s
Supported internships
- Job coach’s
(Target 20)
(Target 40)
Assisted
Apprenticeships
Supported
Employment
Supported
Employment
Assisted
Apprenticeships
(Target 20)
(Target 20)
(Target 40)
(Target 40)
KCC Apprenticeships
KCC Apprenticeships
(Non Schools Staff)
(Schools Staff)
Apprenticeships for All
Pre apprenticeships
Often applicants for apprenticeships do not have the necessary qualifications or have the
appropriate experience to be work ready. There is a commitment at KCC to develop
personalised programmes, so young people and adults can progress onto an apprenticeship.
KCC will remove barriers by offering a range of pre-apprenticeship opportunities which will
provide possible routes to a KCC apprenticeship. Young people and adults will be supported
to apply for opportunities within KCC through the kent.gov.uk website and
apprenticekent.com website. If unsuccessful at an apprenticeship interview or NEET from
the District participation meetings, applicants will be provided with this additional support
to apply for pre apprenticeship opportunities. There will be a priority referral process for
applicants for Children in Care or Care leavers.
KCC work experience application process will be expanded to include pre apprenticeship
opportunities which will provide additional support for applicants and to advertise
opportunities. The A4A team will work with the applicant providing direct support, coaching
and mentoring to identify the most appropriate route for them, which will be one of the
following:
WORK EXPERIENCE - Lead Officer Owen Bartholomew
If a young person has no idea of the type of role they would like to do, we can offer
them work experience, before considering any apprenticeship opportunities. A work
experience placement will provide the opportunity to practice and develop some key
employability skills and attributes, such as: communication and literacy, numeracy,
using computers, computer programmes and office equipment, business and
customer awareness, working in a team, showing commitment and initiative and
problem solving. KCC will look at providing paid work experience if appropriate to
provide the applicant will the necessary support to gain an apprenticeship. A target
of 240 has been set, 80 for non-schools and 160 for KCC schools staff.
INTERNSHIPS - Lead Officer Chris Homewood
KCC will also provide Internships (Traineeships) to those who have been unsuccessful
when applying for an apprenticeship or other job due to a lack of skills and
experience. These are an ideal opportunity for young people, aged 16 to 24, who are
motivated to get a job to gain the skills and experience needed to enter an
apprenticeship. The work experience element would be for a minimum of 100 hours
to a maximum of 240 hours over a maximum of six months. Which supports the
applicant develop new skills and behaviours, which ensures they become work-ready
and have the confidence to take the first step in their career to secure an
apprenticeship or other employment. This programme would be supported by a
training provider who can draw funding from the EFA. A target of 90 has been set,
30 for non-schools and 60 for KCC schools staff.
SUPPORTED INTERNSHIP - Lead Officer Simon Bounds
Supported Internship is a structured study programme based with KCC as the
employer. This pathway is intended to enable young people with learning disabilities
to achieve sustainable, paid employment by equipping them with the skills they need
for work through learning in the workplace. Wherever possible, key workers will
support the young person to move into paid employment at the end of the
programme, which would be a KCC apprenticeship programme. The key worker will
provide support and mentoring to the applicant on their journey by providing them
with an individual action plan tailored to their specific needs. This will include the
motivating applicant to achieve their goals and provide continued in-work support
throughout their programme into sustained employment. A target of 60 has been
set, 20 for non-schools and 40 for KCC schools staff.
ASSISTED APPRENTICESHIP - Lead Officer Karen Laponder
Assisted Apprenticeship provides support for young people who require a different
level of support to enter the world of work through supported employment. The
programme is aimed at young people who have high needs and is designed to offer
additional support to both the manager and the applicant, enhancing their chances
of sustained employment. All young people who are eligible will have a support
worker in place to offer guidance and support throughout the duration of the
apprenticeship. A target of 60 has been set, 20 for non-schools and 40 for KCC
schools staff.
SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT - Lead Officer Alicia Moyles
Supported Employment, will offer a specialist supported employment service for
people with learning and physical disabilities. The team will support people aged 16
and over with a disability to prepare and stay in paid employment. Work with people
who have physical disabilities, learning disabilities and who are on the autistic
spectrum. The support is ongoing until the applicant adapts to the workplace and
gains the confidence to work independently of support. Support can be called on to
deal with any unforeseen issues that may arise requiring the professional expertise
of the support worker. Long term support is a key factor in the success of Supported
Employment. The offer will include a comprehensive package of advice, guidance
and support, conducting employee specific risk assessments in the workplace,
practical hands-on 1:1 support, specialised instructions for the employee to be
trained to carry out the tasks of the job to meet the expectations of the employer (if
needed). A target of 60 has been set, 20 for non-schools and 40 for KCC schools
staff.
The A4A team will ensure that all applicants are sign posted to the relevant provision, if KCC
has no suitable roles or opportunities we will use the apprenticekent.com website, the new
digital apprenticeship service and the ready to work website.
How will opportunities be advertised?
All A4A Apprenticeships vacancies will be advertised through kent.gov.uk and the new
apprenticekent website. Vacancies will be posted on the apprenticeship vacancy matching
service website which is managed by the National Apprenticeship Service (DAS) as part of
the apprenticeship funding requirement.
The Skills and Employability Service have developed the new apprenticeship recruitment
website for Kent. www.apprenticekent.com is designed to be simple and easy to use, whilst
giving young people the best chance of finding an apprenticeship. The website is split
broadly into four categories – become an apprentice, employ an apprentice, train an
apprentice and assist an applicant. Applicants will have full access to the opportunities and
will be able to view vacancies through the websites.
The site has a messaging function built in, so all feedback, interview offers and recruitment
can be done within the website, whilst the data collected will enable Skills and Employability
to offer targeted support to those who need it.
The A4A programme will use KCC’s existing website kent.gov.uk, the Kent Education
Learning and Skills Information (KELSI) website, and link’s with other partners including
Schools and Colleges, and Job Centre plus to promote the opportunities available.
Work Experience
All A4A pre-apprenticeship work experience opportunities will be advertised through the
existing work experience page on kent.gov.uk.
All applicants will have access to valuable work experience opportunities within Kent County
Council. The website will clearly show the placement in more detail showcasing the role
and the experience they will gain. The application process will be simply and easy to follow
to help support a wide range of applicants. The placement will provide practical skills and
key employability attributes to support the applicant into a KCC apprenticeship. Managers
will be able to identify future apprentices from this structured work experience programme.
Development will be taking place on this website to show the new pre-apprenticeship
opportunities across KCC.
Choosing an Apprenticeship Provider
Most employers work in partnership with training providers to deliver their Apprenticeship
programme. To get the best results, it is important to choose a training provider that will
meet the business requirements of KCC.
It is helpful to consider the requirements of the business before approaching a
provider, even if this thinking is at an early stage. This will enable you to be more
specific in the search and to identify the areas of support needed.
It is helpful to think about the following:
The business area and job role (and potential frameworks and levels)
The size and scope of the programme (numbers, geography and age groups)
Whether you will integrate your in-house training materials
Usually, the training provider will hold the Apprenticeship delivery contract or will have
registered on the RoATP (register of Apprenticeship Training Providers). The RoATP will
provide a level of assurance to employers, but employers will also want to assure
themselves that a provider is suitable to deliver their apprenticeship programme. This is
managed by the Skills Funding Agency on behalf of government.
How to find a training provider
There are a number of ways to find potential providers:
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Use the apprenticekent website find a trainer page.
The register of Apprenticeship Training Providers.
FE Choices is the official site for comparing the performance of further education
colleges and other organisations that receive Government funding to educate
and train people over the age of 16.
The Skills Funding Agency regularly publishes an update of provider allocations
and contracts.
Sector Skills Councils, Awarding Organisations and other large employers
will often provide recommendations.
Selecting a training provider
The Skills and Employability Service will support managers in the process. By answering
questions managers have and support the created service level agreement with the training
provider. KCC needs to consider procurement regulations due to the size of its levy payment
when choosing an appropriate training provider and the need to create a KCC framework for
the training providers.
David Knox
Skills and Employability Service Kent
November 2016