September 2018 UK Tram Summit

Julia WhittakerDirectorThe Big Solution

Apprenticeship Reforms 2012

486New apprenticeship standards covering a wide variety of levels

LEVEL 2

113

LEVEL 3

174

LEVEL 4

73

LEVEL 5

21

LEVEL 6

75

LEVEL 7

30

More rigorous and responsive to employer needs

Current Position

2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18

400 4,30024,600

163,700

520,600510,200

440,400

499,900 509,400

375,800

494,900

Total number of apprenticeships starts (England)

Standards

The Campaign

Target of

3 million apprenticeships

GOVERNMENT VISION FOR 2020

20 20

TVWebsites Social Media

Challenges

Top three most popular sectors for apprenticeships:

End Point Assessment

Training providers

Policy and guidance

Time

Benefits

● More choice

● Flexible training

● 16 plus

90% of apprentices stay on in their place of work after completing their apprenticeship

78% of employers reported an increase in productivity

83% would recommend taking on an apprentice to another business

New members website

Midland Metro Alliance Creating a legacy of a trained, enthusiastic and committed workforce

Tramway Construction Operative (TCO) Apprenticeship Level 2

Initial Challenges

• We needed: Facilitator experienced in liaising

with Institute of Apprenticeships who understood the Trailblazer process

Employer Group to support the development and design each module

Buy in from senior management and Alliance partners

Found Julia ! ….. and 18 months later……

Candidate selection

12 selected• Line Managers’

recommendation• No minimum entry

requirements• Attitude and work ethic

Benefits to MMA, industry and candidates

• First in the UK

• Leaders in innovation

• Bridging the Skills Gap

• Meeting local needs

• Increased employability

• Increased value to employers

• Increased promotion prospects

• Apprenticeship progression opportunities

Rail

Highways

Customer ServiceGeneral Civils

Utilities

TCOApprenticeship

Progress to date/ lessons learned

• Assist candidates with IT (on line assessments)• Brief regarding “back to school” expectations• Collaboration is key to meet the industry’s

needs– employers, professional bodies, UK Tram,

working together • Patience, resilience and fortitude required• Be confident to challenge – employer driven -

inform training providers• SMEs can access funding• You need a “Julia”!