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“Getting Talent is Getting Tough”

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Getting Talent is Getting Tough
England’s working age population volume and rate compared with Devon’s rate.

Participants from thirteen local Public Sector employers met at the Met Office for an update on the Apprenticeship Levy and the introduction of mandatory employment targets which will come into effect in April 2017. Ben Neild’s first presentation set the scene for the morning, proposing that apprenticeships could  help to grow and keep local talent of all levels as “getting talent is getting tough”. The agenda included four informative and inspiring presentations – links below:

A round table discussion followed around three questions which elicited a great deal of interaction and notes! Here is a brief summary:

Q1 How do you work together and share knowledge and information?

Local Public Sector employers do not work together although there are groups and networks to which they belong. In addition internal collaboration can be a problem.

Q2 What would a Gold Medal Standard look like?

A Gold Medal standard apprenticeship would meet the business need, reduce resistance to cultural change, maximise the levy payment, provide evidence to enable further development, enhance collaboration and provide the apprentice with a quality learning experience with opportunities for employment and progression, whilst receiving a decent wage.

Q3a What are your next steps?

The next steps are for organisations: to understand their business and training needs and what the levy and the targets mean for them; to communicate this to Senior Management and identify dedicated resource and/or apprenticeship champion; and to consider working with other organisations to aggregate demand in order to negotiate with Training Providers and to share apprentices.

Q3b How can the EHOD Employment and Skills Board (ESB) help?

The ESB can help by informing and influencing organisations and by linking organisations either through identifying existing networks or by providing a facility to do so or similar networking events.

You may also be interested to read:

More follow-up information about the event will be shared with participants. Please contact oenone.thomas@exeter.gov.uk or 01392 265344 if you would like more information.

 

 

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Public Sector Employers – Ready for the levy?

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DCC Apprentices 2015-graduation-ceremony1
DCC 2015 Apprenticeships Graduation Celebration

The Government has recently announced significant changes to Apprenticeships from April 2017. The changes are quite complex and far-reaching including Apprenticeship funding and incentives, delivery and direction, content, infrastructure etc. The most prominent message is a commitment to “3 million quality apprenticeship starts in England over this parliament”. For large public sector employers engagement will be mandatory, targets will be set and a levy charged.

This event is for local public sector employers to help them plan for the implementation of the Apprenticeship Levy, targets and new processes. It is designed for employers who already employ apprentices and for those that will be new to it. The agenda includes:

Exeter & Heart of Devon Economic Update from Ben Neild, University of Exeter

The importance of the public sector to the local economy and an update on productivity.

Detailed briefing on Apprenticeships post 2017 from Richard Daulton, National Apprenticeship Service

The Employer Levy, the 2.3% Public Sector target, the Digital Apprenticeship Service, apprenticeship standards and funding.

‘Large organisations thinking on Apprenticeships post 2017’ from Ben Neild, University of Exeter

Moving to a systemic approach.

A private sector case study from Nigel Fenn from South West Water

Assessing your current situation, plotting skills gaps and future needs, new recruits and/or workforce development and establishing costs and targets.

Room for collaboration?  A round table discussion chaired by Mark Shepherd (Chair of EHOD Employment & Skills Board)

Shared apprenticeships? Joint development of standards where they do not exist? Shared intelligence and information.

Lunch and networking

The Event Details:

It is essential to register for this event (see below).  Due to The Met Office security requirements please note that non-British Nationals should have their passports with them. Please do not arrive unless you are representing a Public Sector employer and you have booked your place. Thank you.

Date and Time 25 May 2016 09.00 am for 09.30 am with lunch at 12.30 pm
Location The Met Office, FitzRoy Road, Exeter, EX1 3PB
Cost None. We are very grateful to the Met Office and to Exeter City Council for their support of this event.
RSVP – latest end of Tuesday 17 May. Confirmation is essential.

Please register using https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/public-sector-ready-for-the-levy-and-government-apprenticeship-targets-tickets-24007516127 As this is a targeted event you will need to enter this password EHODapprenticeships2017

 

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Apprenticeships Budget update

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Employers supporting the ‘Pass the Torch’ campaign at the ‘Tap into Top Talent’ business breakfast

Last week employers met at the ‘Tap into Top Talent’ business breakfast to hear about the Government’s proposed extensive changes to apprenticeships and their commitment to 3 million apprenticeship starts by 2020. As well as having the opportunity to meet with employers who are committed to growing their own talent through the apprenticeship route, employers were signposted to the latest sources of information on the Employer Levy, the targets which will be imposed on the Public Sector, the new apprenticeship standards which replace apprenticeship frameworks and the mechanisms which underpin everything. Links to this information can be found at the bottom of this page.

Since ‘Tap into Top Talent’ there have been more announcements and information.

Government 10% Top-up announced in The Budget

This week George Osborne announced that the government will apply a 10% top-up to monthly funds entering levy paying employers digital accounts, for apprenticeship training in England, from April 2017. Therefore all funds entering a levy payer’s account will be increased, with every £1 will be increased to £1.10 in value.

Frequently Asked Questions

The proposed changes to Apprenticeships from 2017 are significant, quite complex and far-reaching including funding and incentives, delivery and direction, content, infrastructure etc. Select this link Apprenticeship Levy questions answered

Detailed and official information

Overview:

Latest government publications on Apprenticeships

New a short PowerPoint: Apprenticeships Levy Stakeholder Slides 14-03-2016

English Apprenticeships: Our 2020 Vision – Executive Summary

English Apprenticeships: Our 2020 Vision

Support for Employers:

The Employer Guide to Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Find an apprenticeship Training Organisation

Recruitment: Register on Find an apprenticeship (dedicated online vacancies and recruitment site)

Funding and Finance:

HMRC – The Employer Levy

Funding Principles and Minimum Apprenticeship Wage: Refer to Employer Guide (pages 9,14,15):

AGE Grant: £1,500/new recruit 16-14 year old apprentice. For details refer to employer fact sheet: 

National Insurance Employer Contribution – abolition for apprentices under 25 (from April 2016): HMRC:

Traineeships and Work Experience:

Employer Guide to Traineeships:

Apprenticeships: the range and levels:

Apprenticeship frameworks (live list)

Apprenticeship standards – Ready for Delivery

Apprenticeship standards – Approved for Development

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BEEP benefits from RWC2015 Legacy

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Guildhall RWC2015 donation
Cllr Rosie Denham awards cheque to BEEP Trustees

BEEP received a very welcome boost thanks to the sale of Rugby World Cup 2015 banners and bunting used to promote the tournament in Exeter. Pin badges, lanyards, mini balls and other accessories donated by Rugby England 2015 were also sold to raise money. Three England squad players from Exeter Chiefs, Jack Nowell, Geoff Parling and Henry Slade supported the sale by signing two limited edition rugby balls. Councillor Rosie Denham, Lead Councillor for Economy and Culture, presenting the cheque said: “The legacy of Rugby World Cup 2015 is strong in Exeter, and the sale of memorabilia will support the tremendous work of the BEEP programme, part of which is led by enthusiastic volunteers in the business sector to mentor and support young people and give them the confidence to adapt to the sometimes daunting world of work. The project began as part of the Rugby World Cup 2015 Legacy programme and has seen so much success for the young people that it has been adopted by the wider business community. This donation will go towards the next 10-day course once funds have been raised from other sources.” The Exeter & Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board aims to help create a ‘local world-class workforce where every individual matters’  and encourages employers to help BEEP make a positive difference to the lives of young people so that they can become part of a skilled and committed workforce.

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Ben Bradshaw backs BEEP

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BEEP & Ben Bradshaw
Ben Bradshaw MP finds out about BEEP. (L to R Sandra, Matt, Llewellyn, Ben and Aaron) Photo: Matt Austin

Ben Bradshaw, MP for Exeter, met with young people and their mentors and employers at an event hosted by Everys Solicitors in Exeter to learn more about the Business Powering Employment Programme (BEEP). He said “It was great to meet Aaron and Matt and find out how BEEP is helping them. It’s really fantastic that they have moved into work and training and are doing so well, as they continue to receive support from their mentors”.

Mentee Matt Baker, 20, from Exeter, said: “The mentoring has been brilliant for me. I meet with Llewellyn quite regularly and it’s pushing me forwards. I’m at Exeter College, and know what I want to do next, to get the qualifications I need to help students with learning difficulties. I’ve got short term and longer term goals and that’s thanks to BEEP. It would be great if the programme keeps growing so more people can benefit.”

Llewellyn Nicholls, Head of Business Development and Marketing at Everys Solicitors and Matt’s mentor, said: “It’s been hugely rewarding being a mentor to Matt.  He has developed hugely over the past few months. His initial goals have now been realised and he’s firmly on the career ladder. His determination has really shone through.”

The programme (initially called REEP) used Rugby World Cup 2015 legacy funds and generous support from Exeter and Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board partners but is now being expanded to support more young people across Devon. Support from businesses across Devon is needed if the programme is to reach its potential. Companies can support BEEP through a range of partnership opportunities, including sponsorship and mentor training, which supports the personal development of employees through becoming a mentor.

Ben Bradshaw said “It’s important now that companies get involved and support, because these are our future employees and have so much to offer if we can work with them and help them develop the skills and confidence to move forwards in their lives.”

Sandra Sampson, Director of Motiv-8sw, who has been helping to run the programme said “It’s transforming. Often the young people have been out of work or education for some time, have lost their confidence and are at a low ebb. The programme is already delivering fantastic results, genuinely helping to turn people’s lives around, but we really need to scale it up so we can help more.”

BEEP helps young people learn through performance coaching techniques and then on-going support from a mentor. Over 95 per cent of those who have been on the programme have gone on to secure work and training opportunities. As well as making a huge difference to the life of a young person, the programme provides benefits for mentors. BEEP delivers training to all mentors, equipping them with transferable skills which can be used in the workplace.

Organisations interested in getting involved and supporting the programme, should contact Sandra Sampson at Motiv-8sw on 01392 873939 and sandra@motiv-8sw.co.uk or visit BEEP.

 

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Support BEEP remember RWC 2015

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300915 RWC exeter princesshay street art FX24165 (1 of 1)

(Blog post original Exeter City Net)

Up for grabs are banners, flags and bunting used to decorate the city during the Tournament in September and October when Sandy Park hosted 3 pool matches.

All proceeds of the sale will be split between the Lord Mayor’s charity, the Exeter Foundation, and ‘BEEP’, Business Empowering Employment Programme, a successful Exeter Rugby World Cup 2015 legacy project which attracted the attention of HRH Prince Harry when he visited Exeter during Rugby World Cup 2015. BEEP makes a positive difference to the lives of young people between 16 and 24 years who are struggling to take their first steps on the career ladder.

Councillor Rosie Denham, Lead Councillor for Economy and Culture, said: “This is a great opportunity for the residents of Exeter to claim a piece of Rugby World Cup 2015 memorabilia and donate to a worthwhile local cause. Some of the items are one-off or very limited stock, so we are expecting them to sell out very quickly. The City Council raises money on behalf of the Lord Mayor’s Charity each year and we felt it appropriate to share the proceeds of the sale with one of our most successful Rugby World Cup legacy projects, the BEEP programme which has already seen a number of young people successfully employed as a result of the training programme.”

Some items are very low stock so people are being asked to order early to avoid disappointment. All items are pre-used and will be in post-display condition; therefore some items may be slightly marked or environmentally soiled. Lamp post banners do not come with fixings for hanging.

Exeter city dressing can be viewed and purchased from http://www.jumblebee.co.uk/rugbyworldcup2015exetercitydressing

Due to the size and weight of the items, this is a cash-only and collection-only sale. Pre-ordered items via the website are to be paid for upon collection from Exeter City Council, Civic Centre, Paris Street, Exeter, by prior arrangement only (see website for details). The sale ends at 12pm on 14 January 2016.

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Employability Networking

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Increasingly employers are using employability networking tools to identify potential employees, contact partners or raise awareness. Professional networking tools and social media provide platforms for individuals to showcase their skills, work history and interests. How do young people from the age of 16 improve their employability in this online space?

We’ve been alerted to a free, multi-language, employability networking tool for young people called ‘You Rock’. You Rock not only has a graphical interface which sets it apart from more ‘traditional’ approaches, but it asks the user about their part-time work, interests and school/college activities. This diagnostic aspect helps young people identify their skills and strengths and displays them as a ‘personalised diamond’ which distorts to show their relative strengths. It is particularly helpful for individuals starting with little or no work history.  Like other professional networking tools skills can be endorsed and links created to content elsewhere. You Rock is still under development but it already has thousands of users across mainland Europe.

To get a flavour compare the front pages of the profiles of two different people below. The Primary Skill Group on the left is ‘communication’ and on the right ‘organisational’:

YouRock

If you are interested in finding out more about You Rock take a look at the PowerPoint overview on You Rock Jobs Overview (which includes contact links over numerous media) or the You Rock Support Guide or the You Rock Jobs resources website.

At the last Exeter and Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board full meeting we discussed You Rock and decided to seriously consider planning a pilot project to collect feedback from young people, schools/colleges and employers. If you may be interested in participating please contact Oenone Thomas.

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A journey of discovery with the destination in sight

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Aaron and Dan prepare for RWC 2015 Tonga v Namibia match
Aaron and Dan prepare for RWC 2015 Tonga v Namibia match (c) Nick Hook
What do a young person, a Managing Director, a local charity, a national retailer and the Army have in common? They are all part of a journey originally designed to help Aaron move from worklessness towards employment but which turned out to be something much, much more…

Aaron–The Young Person–the mentee

Aaron, has mingled with business leaders, watched two RWC 2015 matches and met HRH Prince Harry but his achievements have been much more profound and his prospects are even more positive. Aaron joined REEP* after leaving Southbrook School in Exeter and having struggled to get on the employment ladder. Intensely shy, quiet and lacking in self confidence, Aaron worked steadily through the intensive ten day programme presenting his vision of his future to employers on the final day. Working with Dan, his mentor, Aaron formulated an action plan, learnt new skills and gained in confidence through volunteering and working, and recently attended the Army Careers Office. Aaron has a quiet smile, a sense of purpose and now recognises that he has something to contribute too.

Dan–The Managing Director–the mentor

Dan initially became involved in REEP through Astley Media’s generous in-kind PR support of REEP. Intrigued by REEP, Dan volunteered for mentor training and, once completed, he was partnered with Aaron. Dan provides Aaron with continuity. He is a trusted and valued person who has the time and the training to mentor him, as well as providing very practical support. It was Dan who waited anxiously as Aaron went for his interview with the Army. Dan has been on a journey too. He has learnt more about young people and the challenges they face, used his mentoring skills at work and more widely, and become a champion for REEP and now BEEP˚.

Hospiscare–the Local Charity–the placement employer

Hospiscare in Devon provides high-quality care and support to the terminally ill. Much of Hospiscare’s income is derived from their charity shops. Volunteers greet customers, prepare donations for sale and work on the tills. The Cowick Street, Exeter branch and its “happy band” opened its doors to Aaron. More than a staging post, volunteering at Hospiscare has improved Aaron’s confidence, required his commitment, demanded routine and enhanced his skill set. Hospiscare gained a young volunteer, an insight into the challenges facing some young people and met Aaron, someone who will never forget the opportunity to work with Hospiscare.

Tesco–the National Retailer–the employer

Tesco Express in Exwick is Aaron’s employer. Once Aaron had gained confidence and valuable work experience at Hospiscare, he, with new positivity, and Dan began to work on his next steps. Sitting together they researched job adverts and planned a campaign. Aaron’s application to Tesco was successful and now Aaron is part of the Tesco team.

The Army–the destination–the future employer?

For Aaron, a career in the Army has become his destination. Only months ago, this seemed far too remote a dream. But now Aaron’s continued progress through training, mentoring, volunteering, employment and, most recently, his interview with the Army Career’s Office (while Dan waited patiently for him to reappear), make his future career a real possibility!

To find out more about REEP and BEEP please contact Sandra Sampson on 01392 873939 or email sandra@sampsonhall.co.uk

*Rugby Empowering Employment Programme

˚Business Empowering Employment Programme

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World-class Work Experience

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Example Silver Level Industrial Cadets
Example Silver Level Industrial Cadet Certificate

Work Experience enables young people to sample careers, get a real sense of a particular work sector, to demonstrate their interest and passion for the area and to get a general introduction to the world of work. We know that young people who have Work Experience are more likely to be successful in their job search, but often the quality of the Work Experience depends upon factors other than interest and motivation. Sometimes Work Experience Placements are the result of parental contacts, second preferences and the ‘luck of the draw’. Employers who host Work Experience placements vary too. Some employers see the advantage of show-casing their sector or their organisation, of talent-spotting and of Corporate Social Partnership, whilst others squeeze-in something less than the best or do not participate at all. Where Work Experience works it makes a huge difference to the young person and benefits the business too.

Our World-class Work Experience Placement pilot will, we hope, become a flagship of our work. We aim to provide un-paralleled opportunities for quality controlled, accredited, Work Experience in Exeter and the Heart of Devon. For this initiative we are teaming up with Industrial Cadets and Education Business Partnership SW. Through this pilot our employer members will provide challenging and motivating accredited one week World Class Work Experience Placements at Silver Level (30 hours) for a group of pilot schools.

At this stage our employers are each meeting with Industrial Cadets and Education Business Partnership SW to plan and accredit each Work Experience opportunity and to ensure that the necessary insurances and paperwork are in place. Once the placements are agreed they will be offered to young people in our pilot schools for young people to start the application process. Although Industrial Cadets has its roots in STEM industries we are piloting it across our complete range of employer members.

The Industrial Cadets Silver Award accreditation offers clear advantages to the young people and to their hosts as all join the Industrial Cadets Online Network with advice and tools for during and after the placement, including advertising work opportunities. Each young person who successfully completes their Work Experience receives, among other things, a certificate which details their experiences and achievements.

Our employers are enthusiastic about holding a joint graduation ceremony of all our World-class Work Experience Industrial Cadets silver award graduates in June 2016.

Once the pilot is completed we will be in a position to consider growing the scheme in more ways than one!

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Celebrating with HRH Prince Harry

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Celebrating with HRH Prince Harry Photo from Exeter Chiefs Official in “HRH Prince Harry Visits Sandy Park”
Celebrating with HRH Prince Harry
Photo from Exeter Chiefs Official in “HRH Prince Harry Visits Sandy Park”

Ten young people who have been working hard as part of the REEP programme met HRH Prince Harry before the Nambia v Georgia RWC 2015 match at Sandy Park on 7 October. For these young people who have struggled to gain self-confidence and to make positive steps towards work, last night was a milestone and an opportunity to tell Prince Harry about their aspirations, work and the difference the REEP programme has made. Matt B who featured in a recent BBC Inside Out programme chatted to Prince Harry about his forthcoming apprenticeship organised through Exeter College and Charlie Houlden thanked Prince Harry for coming to see them and presented him with a gift of Exe Valley beers!

For Ryan, Matt and Charlie it is less than a week since they addressed an audience of business people at the Great BEEP Launch held at the Innovation Centre, University of Exeter; a testament to the increase in their new self-confidence and to the compelling nature of their achievements.

The good news is that Prince Harry, business leaders, council officials and many members of our community believe that “every individual matters” and they are ready to support and celebrate success.

We have launched a new charity BEEP (Business Empowering Employment Programme) and we are looking for businesses to get involved. If you would like to find out more visit BEEP or please contact Sandra Sampson of Motiv-8SW on 01392 873939.