Issue - meetings

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director – Enterprise, Community and Resources, that provided an overview on the Apprenticeship Support by the Be More contract, managed by Halton Borough Council on behalf of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) Skills and Apprenticeship Hub (SAH).

Members were advised that the Apprenticeship Support (AS) by the Be More Team was a delivery partner, managed by Halton’s Employment, Learning and Skills Division.  The service provided free information, advice and guidance (IAG) about apprenticeships to schools, young people, parents and residents.  The contract was currently under a Service Level Agreement from November 2019 to September 2022.

The report discussed the current service delivery outputs in relation to the delivery of promotional events on apprenticeships and one to one support, and advice and guidance interventions provided to residents.  It also advised on how the IAG sessions were moved to virtual platforms during the Covid-19 pandemic, to enable the continuation of the service.  Additionally, the report outlined forthcoming events and projects planned this year and the progress made in updating the Be More portal.  It was hoped that the portal would be relaunched in May 2022.

The Chair advised that unfortunately the accompanying presentation to this report had to be deferred, but would be rescheduled on a future agenda with an update on the Service.

Members agreed that the continuation of funding for Halton for the Apprenticeship Support by the Be More Team was greatly needed in order to make a success of the apprenticeship service and supported continued lobbying for this.

RESOLVED:  That the report be received.