Tees Valley pilots apprenticeship scheme

A £9.4 million programme aims to create 1500 additional apprenticeship opportunities for young people across Tees Valley.

Tees Valley Combined Authority has been selected as one of the first Mayoral Strategic Authorities in England to pilot the Government’s new Apprenticeship Brokerage scheme.

Working with the Department for Work and Pensions, employers and training providers, the initiative will help businesses create apprenticeship opportunities and navigate the system while connecting young people aged 16 to 24 with vacancies.

Support will particularly target those not in education, employment or training, while helping small and medium-sized businesses tackle skills shortages and reach a wider pool of candidates.

A new system similar to university clearing will also redirect strong candidates who narrowly miss out on one apprenticeship towards suitable vacancies with other local employers.

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 deliver a joined-up approach that delivers for everyone.

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

The pilot forms part of wider Government plans to create 50,000 additional apprenticeships for young people and strengthen vocational training as an alternative route into careers alongside university.

It will build on existing support provided by Tees Valley Combined Authority, including advice for businesses looking to recruit apprentices.

The authority also operates a Levy Matching Service, connecting businesses with larger employers able to transfer unused Apprenticeship Levy funds to help cover training and assessment costs.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen added: “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.”

Young people can access further information and support through the Tees Valley Careers Hub.

The pilot will also help test and develop the brokerage model ahead of its potential wider rollout.

Businesses wanting more information on how to get support, including with apprenticeships, can go here.

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