Further to minute 16 (17 September 2013), Councillor Anita Leech introduced the Wirral Apprentice Programme Scrutiny Review, which had been undertaken by a Panel she had chaired, which had also comprised of Councillors Eddie Boult, Rob Gregson and former Councillor Mark Johnston. She confirmed that the purpose of the Review had been to ensure that funding allocated to the Apprentice Programme was being used effectively and was providing the best outcomes for apprentices through the exploitation of all available opportunities. The Panel had gathered evidence from a wide range of sources and had made a number of recommendations around key themes including the requirement for support of apprentices, the availability and quality of information and guidance available to young people, getting young people ready for work, the Wirral Apprentice Policy and barriers to those who were considering an apprenticeship. Councillor Leech thanked all of the Members of the Panel, in particular former Councillor Mark Johnston and the scrutiny support officers, Tim Games and latterly Mike Lester, for their assistance.

Members thanked the Panel for a very comprehensive report and recognised the considerable work still required in the development, creation and accessibility of apprenticeships.

Resolved (13:0) (One abstention) –

(1)  That the Scrutiny Review and its recommendations be endorsed.

(2)  That the Review be referred to the Cabinet for approval.