Apprenticeships
BUDGET 2021: Furlough scheme extended until autumn
The chancellor has extended the furlough scheme and announced further funding for apprenticeships in a bid to soften the impact of COVID-19 on jobs.
BUDGET 2021: Sunak's lifeline for workers and business
Rishi Sunak’s Budget is expected to provide a lifeline for workers as the furlough scheme is extended to September while the universal credit £20 uplift could also be prolonged for six months.
Transforming the jobs outlook for young people in Essex
Nicole Wood outlines how Essex CC has committed to creating 1,000 new entry level jobs for young people, of all abilities, within 12 months, using an ambitious three pronged approach.
Apprenticeships are the future for digital transformation
In the battle for digital talent, apprenticeships can be local government’s secret weapon, says Euan Blair.
Chancellor confirms £2bn jobs scheme for young people
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced a £2bn ‘kickstart scheme’ for jobs to prevent an entire generation of young people being ‘left behind’.
Chancellor unveils his three-part plan for jobs
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced the next phase of his plan to ‘protect, support and retain’ jobs in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.
Councils are not benefiting from the value that diversity brings
Stephen Jeffery says councils are falling short when it comes to making the most of the diversity and value brought by apprenticeships.
Government must now connect with the 'just about managing'
This government has made many commitments, especially to the new Tory heartlands of the Midlands and the North, says Paul Wheeler. These will need a determination and sense of purpose that has been lacking in previous administrations, he adds.
Designing a new apprenticeship for the sector
Amy Newnham describes how Adur and Worthing councils are working alongside a band of employers to create a service design apprenticeship qualification.
Kent’s very own powerhouse
Cllr Paul Carter has stepped down as leader of Kent CC. Now he plans to apply his energies to local care and the vocational agenda, including apprenticeships. Ann McGauran reports
Levelling the skills divide
If local and national Government want to counter northern citizens feeling ‘left-behind’, the young need the prospect of real jobs writes Claire Fox.
The sector has a key role in reforming the Apprenticeship Levy
It's two years since the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy, and John O'Brien feels like it is time for employers including councils to be able to use it more flexibly.
How Gateshead Council Learning & Skills is using tech to deliver quality assurance
Sonya Anderson, senior adult learning and skills manager at Gateshead Council Learning & Skills, explains the value of having an effective self-assessment and improvement planning resource.
Fresh push on apprenticeship levy reforms
A broad coalition to push for more flexibility in the apprenticeship levy could be formed to mark the two-year anniversary of the reforms, The MJ understands.
'Productivity deals' with big business needed to jump-start local economies
Councils should strike ‘productivity deals’ with the biggest businesses in their region to ensure residents benefit from private sector growth, a new report urged today.
Sector faces £12m apprenticeship hit - every month
Local government could lose up to £12m per month from June after struggling to spend funds from the Apprenticeship Levy, initial estimates have suggested.
Delay to apprenticeship scheme
Plans for a child and family social worker apprenticeship have been hit by delays.
Cable: Commercial forays utterly bizarre
The leader of the Lib Dems has said it is ‘utterly bizarre’ that councils are buying up commercial investments miles from their areas.
Mayors renew skills call
England’s directly-elected regional mayors today renewed their call on the Government for greater devolution of powers and funding over skills.
Devolve apprenticeship levy for targeted skills development
Significant changes to the apprenticeship levy are needed to achieve its potential, writes Cllr Sir Richard Leese.
