Training Provider Briefing Session

2. Training Provider Briefing Session 2.00pm              Welcome 2.10pm                Walsall Works 2.40pm             Q&A session 3.00pm              Networking 3.30pm          Close

3. Walsall Works Walsall Works will stimulate sustainable employment within local businesses and support young people into work

4. The Employment Challenge 27,860 residents out of work 10,820 Jobseekers (all ages) 3,500 18-24 yr old Jobseekers Approx 830 16-18 yr olds are NEET One third 6 months+ unemployed 15% rise on youth unemployment since Dec 2010

5. The Economic Challenge 7,200 active enterprises in Walsall Active enterprises fallen since 2008 by 3.7% Business deaths outnumber business births Need to access new markets Access to finance Skills gaps and high skilled shortages High innovation, new products, advanced processes

6. The Response £2 million financial investment by Walsall Council Stimulating economic growth Supporting local employers Tackling youth unemployment 550 new apprenticeship opportunities 190 pre-apprenticeship places

7. Employers in Growth Sectors Manufacturing and Engineering Environmental Technologies Financial, Professional & Business Services Creative and Digital Services Health & Social Care Logistics

8. The ‘Deal’ with Employers Managing financial constraints as its a key issue Complementing the Youth Contract & AGE Grant Walsall Works will offer £3,000 incentive payment: First start up payment on 4 weeks placement Mid point apprenticeship payment to reward retention Final payment on confirmation of sustainable employment Unlocking local jobs for young local residents “Recruit for attitude then train for skills”

9. A ‘Deal’ with Young People Pre-Apprenticeship programme Young Persons training, travel, childcare allowance Functional skills (literacy / numeracy) L1 Employability skills Work placement Intensive job / apprenticeship / training search Positive Progression routes

10. A ‘Deal’ with Young Apprentices Vacancy matching service Breaking the cycle of unemployment Apprenticeship Placement of at least 12 months On site / off site training Accredited qualification L2, L3, L4 Route to sustainable employment Minimum hourly rates Supervision, mentoring, development

11. Outcomes 190 pre-apprenticeship opportunities Targeted supported to vulnerable groups & families 550 new young apprenticeships Working closely with local Employers Employers recognising value of young people Return on Investment i.e. turnover, productivity, sales Utilising SFA funds / Employer contributions

12. Walsall Works Criteria Focus on Walsall SME’s in growth and key sectors 2 year gap since last Apprentice 35 hour+ per week contract over 12 months minimum Minimum Hourly Rate of Pay (£3.00 - 16-17yr olds, £4.98 - 18-20yr olds, £6.08 - 21-24 yr olds) Employer committed to sustainable employment Employee to apprenticeship staff ratio

13. Achievements to Date 56 businesses have committed to Walsall Works

14. Achievements to Date 115 Apprenticeship Opportunities for Walsall Young People

15. Achievements to Date 377 young people registered in Walsall Works (of which 230 young people are unemployed)

16. The Process Employer completes an Employer Interest Form Walsall Works Team complete eligibility checks Identify a Training Provider (if none in place) Training provider commences with the apprenticeship Advertise vacancy using pre-format template on NAS site Training providers to sift applicants (noting Walsall Works eligible and non eligible young people) Interview & Selection Details of young person submitted to Walsall Works

17. The Process Apprentice commences employment Walsall Works Team to send grant agreement to training provider Training provider to sign grant agreement and attach a copy of the completed ILR form On receipt of grant agreement Walsall Works team to raise an order to process payments Training provider make 1st claim (4 weeks). Training provider make 2nd claim (midpoint). Training provider make 3rd claim (end of apprenticeship) Evidence of sustainability required Walsall Works team to conduct a post 26 week sustainability visit with the employer or employee

18. The Process Unsuccessful applicants provided feedback from training provider and supported through future applications and interview processes Unsuccessful applicants that do not meet the entry requirements of a full apprenticeship to be referred to the pre-apprenticeship programme

19. Question & Answer Session

20. Dates of Future Sessions Monday 24th September 2012, 9.00am – 10.30am Monday 28th February 2013, 9.00am – 10.30am at Walsall Council Chamber, Walsall Town Hall, Lichfield Street, Walsall, WS1 1TP

21. Thank you