Issue - meetings

RESOLVED

1.         That the report be noted.

2.         That an informal meeting with apprenticeship candidates will be arranged.

6.            Apprenticeships Report

6.1       Spike van der Vliet-Firth (Jobs and Skills Programme Lead) introduced the report which provides a comprehensive overview of the various apprenticeships and internship programmes as well as levy transfer programmes to ensure that available funding remains in Lewisham. The Mayor’s apprenticeships programme has supported the creation of 695 apprenticeships for Lewisham residents so far and despite the challenges of the pandemic is on track to achieve its 2022 target. The compilation of more comprehensive monitoring data is currently being developed and destination data needs to be further disaggregated to provide more meaningful information. This is a priority for the new service lead. The service has been pro-active in supporting Kickstart placements and a dedicated Youth Hub employment service.

6.2       The following was noted in response to questions from the Committee:

1.         Whilst nobody on the apprenticeship programmes was furloughed, contract extensions were offered in order to give additional completion time. There were only a couple of non-completions due to the sustained offers of support and professional advice given to those on the schemes.

2.         There are many apprenticeships in the construction sector and developers are obliged to report on a monthly basis in relation to targets set, times spent on site and the types of jobs that were completed by Lewisham residents on apprenticeship schemes. The Committee requested more detailed monitoring data from construction sites for future reports of this nature, particularly around ethnicity.

3.         Whether applicants are previously looked after or have an EHCP is only known if it is declared by applicants. It is known that the Council struggles to attract care leavers to apply for Council apprenticeships and that there needs to be specialised care leavers support to facilitate their own aspirations. The Kickstart programme offers guaranteed interviews for any care leavers and this could be replicated for all programmes.

4.         The low uptake on apprenticeships for 16-18 year olds with EHCPs might be explained by the need for a L2 English and Maths qualification to access the programme. Cllr Moore offered her professional expertise to explore this issue further.

5.         The Committee noted the work done to enable more young people with EHCPs to access internships and apprenticeships and noted the role of Lewisham College in this endeavour.

6.         The Committee requested an informal meeting with some of the successful apprenticeship candidates. Action: Jobs and Skills Programme Lead and Scrutiny Manager

RESOLVED

1.         That the report be noted.

2.         That an informal meeting with apprenticeship candidates will be arranged.