Apprenticeships
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.
Is the apprenticeship levy an opportunity or a joke?
Tony Kirkham supports apprenticeships but says they must be developed in all shapes and sizes so they are a genuine opportunity rather than just another tax.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough mayor sets out 100-day vision
The new mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has unveiled a 100-day manifesto laying the foundations for major transport updrages, skills boosts, economic growth and housebuilding.
Getting the Apprenticeship Levy working for you
Tricia Fuller has completely turned around on her opinion of the apprenticeship levy.
Levy is a catalyst for choice and opportunity
The new apprenticeship levy is presenting a much more dynamic and responsive approach to vocational training and skills development in local authorities, writes Jason Stevens.
Inflexible funding may scupper apprenticeship levy
London Councils has warned a lack of flexibility on funding for apprenticeships could scupper the new levy scheme.
Councils ‘frustrated’ by apprenticeship target
Councils have been left ‘frustrated’ by the prospect of having to devote scarce resources to justifying any failure to meet a new apprenticeships target, a think-tank has warned.
Whitehall urged to scrap apprenticeship target
Whitehall has been urged to scrap its new apprenticeship target for the public sector, a new analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) economic think-tank found.
Pathway to success
Yuletide is traditionally a time of year when older types are left befuddled by people talking about the computer games Santa has brought them.
NAO slams DfE’s apprenticeship programme
The National Audit Office (NAO) has criticised the Department for Education’s (DfE) handling of the apprenticeships programme.
London Councils in apprenticeships warning
Vulnerable groups are at risk from the Government’s public sector apprenticeship target, according to London Councils.
A local solution for apprentices
Budget restrictions and recruitment difficulties means many organisations are still struggling to embrace a new pool of talent. Michelle Kirk explains how councils in the East of England overcame obstacles to taking on apprentices
Why it’s time to dare to care
Terry Collins explains why care leavers and adoption are his top priorities as Durham CC’s new chief executive
Why get involved in local government finance
Director of resources at Newcastle City Council, Tony Kirkham, on the local government finance officers of the future.