To consider Report CFO/040/20 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning progress made following the approval of the development of apprenticeships as an employer provider.

Members considered Report CFO/040/20 of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer, concerning the progress made following the approval of the Development of Apprenticeships, as an employer provider.

Members were provided with an overview of the report, which highlighted that MFRA has been involved in the delivery of apprenticeships since 2015, when it commenced the delivery of Community Safety Advisor apprenticeships.

Members were advised that the Authority subsequently looked to implement apprenticeships across other service areas, including Computer Aided Design, Catering, Business Administration and Engineering and Vehicle Maintenance.

They were advised however, that with the publication of the Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship Standard, the Service considered how this, and other new apprenticeships could be delivered most effectively.

Members were informed that the attainment of Apprentice Employer Provider status, allows the Service to administer these programmes on behalf of our employees; and that the Service is now listed on the Register of Approved Training Providers, as an Employer Provider.

Members were informed that new Firefighter recruits are now enrolled onto the Operational Firefighter Standard Apprenticeship, which is a 2-year development programme delivered through the recruit course at the Training & Development Academy and during development on stations.

It was highlighted to Members that there have been 3 cohorts of Development Firefighters, equating to 59 learners currently progressing through the development programme.

Members were advised that as an Employer Provider, the Authority can claim the cost of delivering the Apprenticeships (currently up to £12k per learner over the 2 years), through our Digital Apprenticeship Service (levy) account; and as a levy paying employer, we pay approximately £170k per annum, into our levy account.

Members were informed that it is estimated that for the first 5 cohorts of Firefighter Apprenticeship learners, the Authority will have claimed in excess of £1m in delivery funding.

It was also highlighted to Members that the effective use of the levy funds, allows for the current funding to be re-invested in training of the existing workforce; and will also allow for funds to be set aside to accommodate any future changes to apprenticeship funding rules and programme delivery.

Members were advised that it is requested that funds received for apprenticeship training, are vired to the appropriate departments involved in its delivery, as highlighted within the table at paragraph 16 of the report, in order to bolster and support those areas.

The Staff Implications contained within the report, were highlighted to Members. They were also informed that the Authority will receive OFSTED inspections, similar to schools, with an inspection anticipated before year end, whether that be a virtual inspection or in person.

It was also highlighted to Members that by re-investing the funds received for the delivery of Apprenticeship training, the Service can ensure that appropriate resources are committed to maintaining high quality Firefighter training, which has a direct impact on how we develop our staff and our ability for our people to be the best that they can be. 

A question was raised by Members regarding the new 2-year Firefighter Development Programme  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5