In 2005, Sunderland City Council committed themselves to the implementation of a Council wide apprenticeship scheme. The Council’s dedication to apprenticeship training stems from an understanding of the need to offer opportunities for employment and work experience to young people.

As well as contributing in part to meeting the Government’s commitment to doubling the number of apprentices by 2020, there are significant advantages for the organisation in succession planning for a skilled future workforce and fulfilling the Council’s role as a large local employer.

Dave Smith, Chief Executive at Sunderland City Council, said:

“One of the key benefits in recruiting an apprentice is that their mix of on and off the job learning means they have the skills that work best for your service. Indeed, it’s been reported that employers who take on apprentices benefit from higher productivity, reduced staff turnover, and an improved skills base. An apprenticeship also develops the skills of local people and involves the local community in the delivery of local services”

In order to implement an organisation wide apprenticeship scheme at the Council, a Placement Opportunities Team was created, with the central function of ensuring a co-ordinated approach to managing, monitoring and supporting apprenticeship activity.

The key deliverables of the Placement Opportunities Team are:

·         Provide a focus on the organisational need for professional skills development and capacity

·         Enhance student learning opportunities

·         Deliver a fair and consistent entry to the organisation

·         Manage risk in terms of safer working with entrants

·         Develop consistent management of the apprenticeship and the experience of the individual

The recruitment of apprentices is consistent with the Council’s ‘recruitment and selection code of practice’ as it enables young people to achieve employee status for the duration of their apprenticeship. The Council continues to promote a “grow your own” ethos to workforce development, planning and succession, by promoting apprenticeships and ensuring employment standards for apprentices remain high.

Traditionally apprenticeships have been in areas such as Customer Service, Information Technology and Business Administration; however as there are over 190 apprenticeship frameworks available, managers are asked to identify apprenticeship opportunities in line with the organisations wider needs.

In addition to the support apprentices receive from their training provider, all apprentices receive additional support in the workplace from their manager, mentor and/or supervisor. The Council is striving to provide a structured approach to supporting apprenticeships through the work of the Placement Opportunities Team where developments include a more informal online forum where apprentices are able to share experiences, pose questions and gain answers. 

Julie Harrison, Training and Development Consultant, Sunderland City Council, said:

“We have some fantastic apprentices within Sunderland City Council who have proven to be a valuable asset to their teams. As an acknowledgement we have had our first “Apprentice of the Year” as part of our Employee Awards scheme. Processes and procedures in engaging with apprentices have developed greatly over the past few years leading to a more structured approach and successful experience for all”

Although there isn’t a specific Apprenticeship Steering Group at present, the Joint Consultative Forum for Training and Learning is where unions represented and the Placement Opportunities Team discuss issues around apprenticeship recruitment, training and retention. The Council are clearly working towards raising awareness of the responsibilities of those wishing to employ an apprentice and the benefits that exist.