To update the Cabinet on the activities of Career Track, the Council’s apprenticeship training provider. Furthermore, this report satisfies the requirements of the Governors' framework, which aims to implement and provide a quality experience for apprentices and employers and meet the expectations of funders and regulators, whereby the Board will undertake to provide clarity between the Board and the Cabinet with a yearly update.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)    notes the annual review undertaken by the Career Track team, including the proposed actions to deliver the forecast subsidy reflected in the long-term financial plans; and

(b)    requests financial updates on Career Track to be included as part of the quarterly financial reports, as deemed necessary.

Cabinet considered a report of the Partnerships Portfolio Holder (A.6) which updated the Cabinet on the activities of Career Track, the Council’s apprenticeship training provider. Furthermore, this report satisfied the requirements of the Governors' framework, which aimed to implement and provide a quality experience for apprentices and employers and meet the expectations of funders and regulators, whereby the Board would undertake to provide the Cabinet with a yearly update.

Members were aware that Career Track had been offering apprenticeship opportunities since its inception in 1983, both within the Council and to external employers, particularly other public sector bodies. This programme was a key component of the Council’s strategy to develop a skilled workforce and create job opportunities for Tendring residents, which was crucial given the socio-demographic challenges of the area.

Tendring District, with a population of around 146,500, faced significant educational and employment challenges. It had the lowest job opportunities per working-age resident in Essex, and 34.3% of residents aged 16 and over had no formal qualifications, compared to the national average of 22.5%. Additionally, only 21.78% of pupils achieved five or more GCSEs at grades 4-9 in 2023, below the national average of 30.01%. Those statistics highlighted the need for targeted interventions to improve educational and employment outcomes.

It was reported that, as part of its commitment to providing work and learning opportunities, Career Track had consistently received strong support from the Council. Over the past decade, 500 individuals had participated in the Career Track apprenticeship programme. It was regarded as a key mechanism for young people across the District to pursue careers within Tendring. Career Track directly impacted the "Raising Aspirations and Creating Opportunities" theme in the Council’s current Corporate Plan, which emphasised supporting residents in reaching their potential by collaborating with businesses and enhancing access to skills, learning, and training.

Cabinet was informed that the Government-set maximum funding band levels for the delivery of apprenticeships, which formed the basis of fees and charges, had not been increased since 2017. Career Track operated on a non-profit basis and received funding from the Department for Education (DfE) to deliver apprenticeships. However, this funding did not cover the full costs incurred by the service. The shortfall was primarily due to increased costs since 2017, with no adjustments made to the allowable fees set by the Government when the current apprenticeship system was established eight years ago.

Members were made aware that to assist with mitigating the revenue shortfall, Career Track provided apprenticeships for other local authorities, creating an additional revenue stream to further support the provision of the service. Career Track had a total of 54 apprentices currently enrolled on the programme. Of those, 29 were employed within Tendring District Council, whilst the remaining apprentices were placed in local authorities across Essex, including Braintree and Colchester, and Suffolk, Kent, and two London Boroughs.

Cabinet was advised that current data indicated a 32% increase in the number of apprentices participating in the Career Track programme since it had been last reported to Cabinet. As a result of that growth, the net direct cost of the service was projected to decrease by 13% in the 2025/26 financial year compared to the previous year. In addition, the Council’s workforce profile revealed that approximately one-fifth of current employees, circa 100 employees, had begun their careers at Tendring District Council as Career Track apprentices. This highlighted the programme’s continued importance as a strategic recruitment pathway for the organisation

It was reported that, in line with the Cabinet’s decision at its meeting on 19 April 2024, Officers had evaluated several alternative solutions to reducing the overall subsidy required, which addressed the specific request of Cabinet to undertake a review of the service. However, it was strongly considered that Career Track was fundamental in supporting the Authority’s Corporate Plan, e.g. upskilling local residents, and enhancing Council services. Therefore, the Cabinet was asked to acknowledge those efforts and the team's success in delivering the forecast subsidy as outlined in the long-term financial plan. This therefore formed the basis of the proposals moving forward. Finally, Career Track was particularly important in the context of Local Government Reorganisation, as effective apprenticeship programs were essential for building a resilient workforce and addressing employment challenges for the future of local government.

Having duly considered the Portfolio Holder’s report (A.6): -

It was moved by Councillor Placey, seconded by Councillor Scott and: -

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)    notes the annual review undertaken by the Career Track team, including the proposed actions to deliver the forecast subsidy reflected in the long-term financial plans; and

(b)    requests financial updates on Career Track to be included as part of the quarterly financial reports, as deemed necessary.