Enhancing Employability through Integrated Work Experience Program

1. Northamptonshire Public Sector Compact Presentation by David Nelson 20 August 2008

2. Agenda Apricot Employability – The Challenge Workplaces Public Sector Compact

3. Apricot Training Management • Founded 2002 • Not for Profit – Social Enterprise • Skills, Employability, Enterprise • East Midlands • Brokerage, Consultancy, Delivery • Partnership and Collaboration • Regional and local strategies and solutions

4. Employability – The Challenge Complex, multifaceted, deep-seated Addressing generational disadvantage No quick fix

5. Tackling Market Failure • Employer – Work First approach ‘Employability without a job is still unemployment’ • Responding to client needs One size does not fit all • Brokerage – Effective Matching Part of the regional architecture

6. Low self-confidence Low aspiration Unsure of opportunities Don’t know where to go No job search skills No current CV Lack of Basic Skills Low Vocational Skills Caring responsibilities Distrustful of authority Benefit dependent Disability Lack of Transport Limited English Migrant workers Offending record Drug/alcohol abuse etc. No Work Experience Multiple Disadvantage

7. Confidence building Mentoring Information Advice and Guidance Job Search support CV development Skills for Life Skills for Jobs Skills Coaching Support allowances Trusted intermediaries ESOL Help with health issues Personal Advisers Caseload approaches Work Trials New Deal, Pathways, LEPs, Job Pledge etc. Multiple Interventions

8. Better motivated More ambitious Clearer about jobs Well presented CVs More literate/numerate Improved Vocational Skills More confident and assertive Personal and Domestic issues addressed Understanding the culture Recent Work Experience Realistic about prospects Employability alone is not enough ‘Improved employability without a job is still unemployment’

9. Apricot Workplaces • Not just another work experience programme • Employer/Work First approach • Collaborative working – integrated provision • A whole systems approach • At the right time • Pilot and evaluate • Building on good practice

10. Principle Objectives • To enable 610 people living in the region, who are excluded from, or are vulnerable participants in the labour market to achieve sustained employment. • To enhance mainstream provision by delivering a work experience programme integrated with current mainstream services.

11. Key Elements • Employer focus – real jobs • Diagnostic and assessment – ‘Journey to Work’ • Brokerage not referral – customers not clients • Standards • Effective brokerage/matching and support

12. Diagnostic tool developed 400 skills diagnostics 400 Information, advice and guidance sessions Support materials for employers & individuals 50 enrolments onto accredited provision 50 qualifications achieved 200 people employed within 6 months 100 Organisational Needs Analyses 100 employers assisted through work placements A matching service established in the region Evaluation Report and dissemination Outputs and Outcomes

13. How you can help • Sector Knowledge and Introductions • Access to opportunities Vacancies Work Experience • Support Materials • Simplified Administration and Referrals • Trial and case study development

14. Public Sector Compact - Benefits • Improved recruitment and retention • Economies of Scale • Avoid wasteful competition • Tailored programmes • Sharing good practice • Better Services to clients and customers • Widening Participation • Workplaces – a chance to act together

15. Thought for the Day