Tees Valley pilot aims to create 1,500 apprenticeships

Tees Valley Combined Authority will work with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), local employers and training providers to test the new Apprenticeship Brokerage scheme.

The £9.4 million scheme will link 16 to 24-year-olds with employers and training providers as part of the Government’s plan to create 50,000 new apprenticeships across the country.

(Image: Supplied)

Ben Houchen, Tees Valley mayor, said: "Being chosen as one of the first places in the country to deliver this new scheme is a huge vote of confidence in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.

"We've got brilliant young people and brilliant employers here.

"But we know how tough it can be when someone comes close to getting an apprenticeship only to miss out at the final hurdle.

"Instead of losing that young person's talent and ambition, we want to be able to say, 'there is another great opportunity just down the road.'

"We're bringing skilled jobs to our region and we need to make sure local people have the skills and opportunities to take them.

"This scheme will build on the work we're already doing to help more people into high-quality apprenticeships and rewarding careers."

The pilot aims to create 1,500 additional apprenticeship starts in Tees Valley.

It will target young people not in education, employment or training and help them into lasting careers.

A new “clearing-style” system will match unsuccessful apprenticeship applicants with other vacancies.

It will redirect strong “near-miss” candidates to other apprenticeship vacancies instead of losing them altogether.

The scheme will also help small and medium-sized businesses find suitable candidates and navigate the apprenticeship process.

Tees Valley was chosen because of the Combined Authority’s partnerships with employers, education providers and councils, and its record of supporting business and workers.

Sarah Walker, director of business solutions at the Tees Valley Combined Authority, said: "Every young person deserves the chance to use their skills and fulfil their potential.

"We will now work with employers, education providers and other partners to create an approach that works for everyone.

"Together, we can help more young people access apprenticeship opportunities while supporting businesses to find and develop the talent they need."

The scheme will build on apprenticeship support already provided by the Tees Valley Combined Authority.

Support includes employer advice, a Levy Matching Service to help fund training and links to larger employers that can transfer unused Apprenticeship Levy funds.

Young people can also get advice through the Tees Valley Careers Hub.

Apprenticeships are available to individuals aged 16 and over and combine paid employment with structured training.

They open the door to careers ranging from entry-level jobs to higher and degree-level qualifications.

The Government announced plans for the apprenticeship brokerage pilot earlier this year.

Mayoral Strategic Authorities and employers will play a central role because they understand local labour markets and skills needs.

The Tees Valley pilot will help refine the model before any rollout in other regions.

Businesses can find support and apprenticeship advice through the scheme.