Business Breakfast 8.00amBreakfast 8.30am Introduction 8.35amNational Apprentice Service 8.45am Walsall Works Team 9.00am Teepee Electrical Ltd 9.05amQ&A session 9.30amNetworking 9.55amClose

Walsall Works Launch

Walsall Works Walsall Works aims to stimulate sustainable employment within local businesses and support young people into work

Our Economic Challenge 27,520 of residents out of work (16.4%) 10,265 Jobseekers claimants 3,000 Young Jobseekers 25% are 12 months+ unemployed Youth unemployment doubled since recession 33% of adults have no or low qualifications

Our Economic Challenge 7,500 active enterprises in Walsall Active enterprises fallen since 2008 by 3.7% GVA per head is Walsall £14,562 vs England £21,349 Business challenges: access to finance, skills gaps, low high skilled and ageing workforce Business opportunities: technical innovation, new products, advanced processes, access new markets

Our Response A £2.2 million investment by Walsall Council Stimulating economic growth & job creation Supporting local employers Tackling youth unemployment A pledge to create 450 new apprenticeship opportunities and 290 pre-apprenticeship places

Our Growth Sectors Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Construction & Environmental Technologies Financial, Professional & Business Services Creative & Digital Services Health & Social Care Logistics

Our ‘Deal’ with Employers Managing financial constraints as its a key issue Complementing the Youth Contract & AGE Grant Walsall Works will offer £3k - £6k incentives: £3,000 for 16 or17 yr old paid at rate of £3.00 per hr £4,500 for 18 to 20 yr old paid at rate of £4.98 per hr £6,000 for 21+ yr old paid at rate of £6.19 per hr

Our ‘Deal’ with Employers

Walsall Works will pay the incentive payment: First start up payment on 4 weeks placement Mid point payment to reward retention Final payment on sustainable employment confirmation Unlocking local jobs for young local residents “Recruit for attitude then train for skills” Support for progression from Level 2 to Level 3

Our ‘Deal’ with Young People Pre-Apprenticeship programme 20 weeks of sector based learning to obtain a Level 1 ie Construction Functional Maths, English & ICT Employability Skills 4 week work placement Intensive job search Guaranteed job interview Progression to a positive pathway

Our ‘Deal’ with Young People Apprenticeships at Intermediate, Advanced & Higher Level Vacancy matching service Breaking the cycle of unemployment Apprenticeship placement of at least 12 months On site / off site training Accredited qualifications at three levels Route to sustainable employment Minimum hourly rates Supervision, mentoring, development

Our Outcomes 290 pre-apprenticeship opportunities 450 new young apprenticeships Targeted supported to vulnerable groups & families Improved relationships with local Employers Employers recognising value of young people Return on Investment i.e. turnover, productivity, sales Maximising on match funding ie SFA, Employers

Our Criteria Focus is Walsall SME’s in growth and key sectors In particular those who have not recruited apprentices 35 hour+ per week contract over 12 months minimum Minimum Hourly Rate of Pay Employer committed to sustainable employment Good employee : apprenticeship staff ratio Progression opportunities

Our Achievements Over 1000 young people have registered interest 164 employers have signed up to Walsall Works 109 young people have started as an Apprentice 84 young people have started a Pre-Apprenticeship Sector Academies being introduced in all areas 111 young people have been supported into outcomes such as work, training and further education

Our Process Employer completes an Employer Interest Form* Walsall Works Team checks eligibility Employer identifies a Training Provider (if none in place)* Advert placed on NAS site using pre-format template Training providers sifts applications Employer Interview & Selection (if they wish to)* Young Person information submitted to Walsall Works Tri- Contract signed by employer, provider & Council* Claim & Payment triggers commence

Thank You for Listening Jane Kaur-Gill Employment & Skills Manager Walsall Council 

Steve Clarke Teepee Electrical Ltd

Apprentices Jack Lavender & Daniel Greatrex

Question & Answer Session