That the Employing Apprentices Strategy 2017, as set out at Appendix 2 to the submitted report, be approved.

The original Employing Apprentices Strategy was approved in 2014, with the introduction of a target in terms of the recruitment of apprentices with an additional commitment to employing those leaving care.  Due to the introduction of the Apprentice Levy, the strategy has been revised to take account of new government targets and operating model.

No other options were considered as the proposed Strategy ensures that the Council is compliant with changes in legislation and ensures that the Council and its partners make best use of the Levy.

The decision will come into force and may be implemented on 2 June 2017 unless the call-in procedure if triggered (as set out in the Standing Orders in relation to Overview and Scrutiny).

The report submitted to the Policy Development and Decision Group (Joint Operations Team) at its meeting on 18 May 2017 proposed an amended Employing Apprentices Strategy to take account of changes in the way that apprentices are funded from April 2017.

The Mayor considered the recommendations of the Policy Development and Decision Group (Joint Operations Team) made at the meeting and his decision is set out above.

None