“You’re hired !” The Apprentices’ role in Lincolnshire County Council’s Trainee strategy

Jan Mehmet

Corporate Learning and Development Manager

Our Challenge

Attract and retain workforce needed to transform services

Ensure a more diverse and representative

workforce Ensure we have the skills , knowledge , and

abilities required for the future Importance of trainees : young people, women

returners, older people, career changers ….

Part of a wider strategy for traineesResearch report ‘Invest to Improve ‘Focus on graduates , apprentices Considered other schemes in LCC Made recommendations

What is an Apprenticeship ?

“a structured programme of preparation, sponsored by an employer , juxtaposing part-time education with on –the- job training and work experience , leading to a recognised vocational qualification “ Ryan and Unwin

LCC’s apprentices

21 apprentices at time of research –2007 Apprentices in all four Directorates and Chief

Executive’s department Two thirds female one third male Interviewees chosen at random from across the

Council’s Services NVQ and key skills provided by Mouchel Options

What some of our apprentices told us Accessed via the Echo ,Connexions ,

work experience , Mouchel Options , Some wanted an apprenticeship ,others

wanted a job Chance to undertake a qualification Perception this could lead to more

opportunities

What some of our apprentices told us Some did not know much about local

government –attracted by the job Others chose it as wanted to make a difference

in the community Plenty of jobs and a pension scheme Attracted by the scheme –Care Leavers’

Apprenticeship Scheme (CLAS)

What some of our apprentices told us All undertaking NVQ2 business admin with

Mouchel Options

Received induction, IT , Health and Safety

training from LCC

Only one person had been offered future

training : appraisee, diversity ,equipment

What apprentices feel they can offer IT skills Willingness to learn , flexibility ,enthusiasm,

fresh ideas Raising profile of young people in a positive

way Providing help and support to other staff Cheap labour

Renumeration Ranges from £80 to £250 per week Work at Sainsbury’s at weekend to bump up

salary Not cheap labour , inexperienced so expect

lower wage Work as hard as others : paid less

Key motivators/likes Relationship with manager Relationship with colleagues, location,

flexible work dress , training

Management support, holidays Career prospects within LCC

Drawbacks Title ‘modern apprentice’-lower status at work Lack of qualifications -need a degree in some

jobs ? Low salary –in some cases Lack of social life with colleagues outside work

Comments on individuals’ experience Didn’t expect job to be so varied Apprenticeships are a brilliant opportunity, had

qualifications but no experience , helps you get into a good organisation like LCC, gain experience-enables you to progress

I would recommend CLAS as it gives opportunities I wouldn’t otherwise have had

Chance to earn and learn

Overall

Most rated the experience as better than expected and all wanted to continue in local government

Apprenticeships are seen as an opportunity to get on the career ladder

Many of our apprentices obtain permanent posts in LCC

Care Leavers’ Apprenticeship Scheme (CLAS) is highly recommended by participants

Invest to Improve report : key recommendations

Establish a corporate trainee resource Explore potential in partnership working and

Shared Services Increase number of apprenticeships Continue work for the Positive About Young

People standard

Recommendations : link to workforce planning and development Skills pathways

Succession planning

Talent development and enablement

Career development

Mentoring

Promoting equality and diversity

You’re hired !

Apprenticeships are a vital part of our trainee strategy to ensure Lincolnshire County Council LEADS and PERFORMS

to provide quality services to the people of Lincolnshire

Today’s apprentice can be the Chief Exec of the future !