Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Apprenticeships Suffolk has developed and grown to become the established service it is today. Although working from home in the beginning presented challenges, the council found that over the longer term, having access to different virtual platforms strengthened the team’s communications and they were able to adapt their ways of working to enable the successful delivery of the project. The council was therefore able to provide ongoing support to SMEs and businesses as well as aspiring apprentices in Suffolk.
Networking opportunities became virtual meetings over platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Skype. Members of the team had existing industry relevant contacts from previous roles which were utilised throughout the delivery of the service to promote the project which led to various meetings and introductions to new contacts. This proved to be an effective way of networking and the council plans to continue to use these platforms as it also comes with added value from delivering projects in a more sustainable way, as it eliminates travel and saves time. In addition to the above platforms, the council has been able to effectively promote its service and build connections virtually through digital resources, virtual presentations, and the use of social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. This has also been cost effective as some resources were free to create using software like Wordpress, Canva and PowerPoint.
To effectively provide support and create apprenticeship opportunities, the council targeted specific industries that throughout the pandemic were still open and needed more staff to support with the demands of increased workload. These included sectors such as, Auto-care, Plumbing & Heating, Landscaping, Horticulture and Childcare. They also sought opportunities tailored around the needs and career interests of referral participants. When approaching employers, the council also ensured they received full information, advice, and guidance around apprenticeships to equip them with the tools to make an informed decision. They also promoted the current Government financial incentives available to employers, to encourage employers to take on a new apprentice and support them throughout their apprenticeship. To date 27 apprenticeship opportunities have been created with learning also successfully opened.
In November 2021, Apprenticeships Suffolk, and members of Suffolk County Council’s skills team, hosted a Skills Marketplace Event, inviting a variety of organisations and projects to showcase what they have to offer, to the people of Suffolk. This was a fantastic networking opportunity to spread the word about the services available to support the economic growth of the county.
As restrictions eased, they were also able to attend face to face sessions, and Apprenticeships Suffolk received several invitations from Schools, asking them to deliver presentations and provide information about apprenticeships, and the service, to students to help them consider their post-16 options. This was an opportunity to breakdown stereotypes and provide up to date information about the apprenticeship pathway for young people to consider as an alternative to mainstream education.
In addition to this engagement with young people, the council also teamed up with several organisations who work with older adults, in an attempt to raise awareness of apprenticeships such as DWP. This can be a great starting point for someone wanting a career change or for someone who is looking to upskill in their existing career. The Apprenticeship Suffolk team is also collaborating with staff from other council services to promote apprenticeships to job seekers.
Apprenticeships Suffolk has also contributed to reducing digital poverty in Suffolk through a variety of ways. In December 2020 they were granted funding for a Digital Call Laptop Loan Scheme. They were granted Chromebook laptops to offer to participants within Apprenticeships Suffolk to assist with job searches, CV writing and their apprenticeship work. This loan scheme has proven extremely beneficial to those who do not have access to laptops or a digital device that could restrict them from accessing an apprenticeship opportunity.
Another way the service has helped reduce digital poverty is through its Access to Apprenticeships financial grant, which was launched in April 2021. This grant is designed to remove potential invisible barriers through financially supporting a new apprentice. It offers two individual packages, each worth £500.00, and is awarded to the employer following a successful apprenticeship start. One of the grant packages is for Additional Equipment meaning this £500.00 could fund a laptop or digital device to support the apprentice with their apprenticeship work.
Finally, the service aims to support participant and employer needs throughout, by offering telephone calls and face to face meetings when safe to do so to enable participants to complete forms which may not be accessible to those without the digital facilities.
Since the conception of the project, there has been a significant rise in the demand for opportunities for people who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. Inclusive apprenticeships are designed to break down barriers and create employment opportunities for people with cognitive, physical, mental health and sensory disabilities. No person should be subject to discrimination or disadvantaged for having a SEND. Inclusive apprenticeships provide a supportive environment for learners to develop the skills and experience needed to achieve the qualifications they need to succeed in their chosen careers. Inclusive Apprenticeships provides an alternative and flexible approach to mainstream education, which is tailored towards the individuals chosen career path.
The council has teamed up with neighbouring county councils, to collaborate on an effective approach, by learning from what has already been done, what works, and what does not. They are beginning to have open conversations with employers with regards to the benefits of providing an inclusive apprenticeship offer, and they are also providing up to date information with regards to some of the support available to both the employer and the apprentice, as well as some of the financial incentives on offer. Inclusive apprenticeships can be tailored to meet the needs of the individual and therefore the entry requirements and duration of the apprenticeship can be adjusted accordingly to support the individual to succeed.
It is important that apprenticeships should be available to all, and a core aim underpinning the service is that the development of inclusive apprenticeships will empower people with SEND, to achieve their career goals through an alternative means to mainstream education.