1. National Apprenticeship Project Officer mrowe@tuc.org.uk
Mark Rowe
National Apprenticeship Project Officer
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2. About unionlearn The learning and skills organisation of the TUC
Assists unions in delivering learning opportunities for their members
Provides education and training for workplace representatives and union professionals
Works with Government and partner organisations
Manages the Union Learning Fund
unionlearn presentation

3. Levy
unionlearn presentation

4. Key Apprenticeships Reforms
3 million apprenticeships
Public Sector Target of 2.3% of workforce
Preventing the misuse of the term apprenticeship
Standards approved
Providers approved
Ongoing Trailblazer development
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5. What can levy funds be spent on?
Digital funds and government funding can be used for:
apprenticeship training and assessment
against an approved framework or standard
with an approved training provider and assessment organisation
up to the funding band maximum for that apprenticeship
Digital funds and government funding can not be used for:
wages
travel and subsistence costs
managerial costs
traineeships
work placement programmes
the costs of setting up an apprenticeship programme

6. Additional support for apprentices
Funding for year olds
Government proposes to pay £1,000 to employers, and a further £1,000 to training providers if they train a year old apprentice.
We propose to help with the extra costs of supporting these individuals so that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from an apprenticeship. Employer funding will be paid through the training provider.  
Disadvantaged young people
Government proposes to pay £1,000 to employers, and a further £1,000 to training providers if they train year olds leaving care or who have a Local Authority Education and Healthcare plan.
We propose to help with the extra costs of supporting these individuals so that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from an apprenticeship. Employer funding will be paid through the training provider.  
Funding for additional learning support
This is the extra amount that we propose to pay to the training provider where an apprentice requires additional learning support as a result of conditions such as dyslexia, learning difficulties or disabilities. We propose to pay training providers up to £150 a month to support these learners, plus additional costs based on evidenced need. This is a continuation of the current system.
Funding for English and Maths training 
The government is committed to helping apprentices gain the minimum standard of Level 2 in English and maths.
When employers agree with their training provider that their apprentice needs training to meet the minimum standards in English and maths we propose to pay training providers £471 for each of these qualifications (Level 1 and 2).
This will come direct from the government and will not be deducted from an employer’s digital account.

7. Trailblazers
Trailblazers are the development of apprenticeship standards and are employer led
Government site lists the type of apprenticeship then lists which employers are developing that standard.
Transition from “frameworks” to “standards” has been delayed from 2017 to a later date .
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8. Example of key engineering and green energy apprenticeships
Key industry sectors include:  • Wind turbines  • Material handling  • Cement plants  • Paper mills  • Water treatment  • Power generation  • Food & Beverage  • Steel
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9. LEP strategy and union approach
Significant growth is expected in the offshore renewables sector. With job creation forecasts in excess of 10,000.
The LEP skills objective is to ensure that the appropriate infrastructure, supply of skilled labour and business support services are in place to drive the growth of the Estuary, maintaining the Humber’s competitiveness and maximising the benefits of new inward investment for local people and businesses.
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10. Partnerships
Apprentice
Employer
Trade Union
Traineeship

11. Working in partnership bring it all together
Apprenticeship Support
Employer
Union
Apprentice
Traineeship
Working in partnership bring it all together

12. Digital Champions Support individuals Mentor young people
Union Representatives can
Role
Support individuals
Mentor young people
Support apprentices
Support trainees
Talk to providers
Visit schools talk about work
Negotiate quality apprenticeships
Negotiate levy spend
Challenge lazy HR practice
Identify skills need
Promote higher level apprenticeships
Promote life long learning
Last bullet question what can you do in your workplace to support apprentices.
unionlearn presentation

13. Union Strategies Checking quality
Using the charter and learning agreements
Supporting learning through ULRs
Supporting apprentice through mentoring
Induction process to include learning skills
Ensure present workforce have the skills to start apprenticeship
Reskilling the reps to support apprenticeships
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14. Tools we can use Apprenticeship tool kit (Apprenticeship Charter)
Frequently asked questions
15 negotiating tips
Various levy calculators e.g. Dept of Transport (Rail)
Online learning e-learning platform
Use IT
TU Education course (mentoring)
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15. Apprenticeship Charter
In your groups
Using the tool kit.
Consider the key points and report back on one key point from each tab.
See Charter on website
unionlearn presentation

16. Apprenticeship Charter
Be a job with a productive purpose
Be paid a fair rate
Ensure high quality training & clear individual development
Involve the trade union at every level of the programme
Ensure Apprentices have regular access to, and support from, trade unions
Be accessible to, and achievable by all
Be part of, and contribute to, a healthy & safe environment
A commitment from the employer to complement the workforce, not supplement it.
See Charter on website
unionlearn presentation

17. Apprenticeship planning
What would work best for you in your organisation
Think about
The tools available
What union support you will need
What is the plan
See Charter on website
unionlearn presentation

18. Other areas where we can make a difference
Pre Employment working with Schools
Traineeships
Skills shows
Working with LEPs or other strategic partners e.g. elected Mayors
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19.
Mark Rowe, Unionlearn