A report by the Interim Director of Children’s Services recommended the adoption of The Liverpool City Region (LCR) Apprenticeship Strategy by the Council and sought permission for its officers to work with Liverpool City Region colleagues to develop the Liverpool City Region Apprenticeship Strategy Implementation Plan.

Councillor A McLachlan informed that Wirral had a successful apprenticeship scheme and this Strategy would not undermine it but would allow information to be shared across the Merseyside region.

It was noted that the Liverpool City Region Apprenticeship Strategy would support the Council’s objective ‘to create more jobs, achieve a prosperous economy and regenerate Wirral’. The Apprenticeship, Skills, Children and Learning Bill (ASCL) 2009 provided a statutory framework for apprenticeships and created a right to an apprenticeship for suitably qualified 16-18 year olds. Under the Bill the Council had responsibility for planning and commissioning education and training for all 16-19 year olds.

The Liverpool City Region Apprenticeship Strategy and Action Plan were detailed at Appendix 1 of the report.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)  the Council adopts The Liverpool City Region Apprenticeship Strategy; and

(2)  the Council authorises its officers to continue to work with Liverpool City Region colleagues to develop the Liverpool City Region Apprenticeship Strategy Implementation plan.