Issue - meetings

(a)       That the next key ‘milestones’ as outlined in the report be noted; and .

(b)       That the Committee receive a progress report in six months time.

The Chairman welcomed and introduced Paul Corner, Project Manager, to the meeting and invited him to give an update on progress in relation to the creation of Apprenticeships and Training opportunities.  He provided background information and advised that the Authority and Local Service Board (LSB) partners had set the creation of additional apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities as a priority area for development work.  He gave an overview of the main progress and achievements gained for the previous six months which were detailed in the report.

Councillor Aaron Shotton commented on the ongoing work within the Council to extend its own training programme for apprenticeships.  He said that it had been nationally recognised that Flintshire was one of the best performing authorities in terms of work undertaken around the Not in Education,  Employment or Training Scheme (NEETS) and referred to work to attract and engage with businesses in the area and the creation of the Deeside Enterprise Zone.

The Cabinet Member for Waste Strategy, Public Protection and Leisure asked for further information around the quality and framework of the apprenticeship programmes.  The Project Manager agreed to provide the Cabinet Member and the Committee with information on the apprenticeship model and framework.

Councillor Aaron Shotton referred to the Employers Promise scheme which gave recognition to those companies which provided quality apprenticeships.  Councillor Matthews queried what qualifications were gained at the end of an apprenticeship.  She also referred to the shortage of labour in the Construction industry.  The Project Manager responded to the comments and queries raised and advised that job outcomes were generally high for young people who had served an apprenticeship.

RESOLVED:

 (a)      That the next key ‘milestones’ as outlined in the report be noted; and .

(b)       That the Committee receive a progress report in six months time.