This report seeks approval of investment into the Apprentice and Graduate Schemes from the Revenue budget into the scheme from 2019/20 onwards.

In accepting the recommendation, Cabinet will approve and recommend to Council that the allocation of £50,000 for the Apprenticeship Scheme and £20,000 for the Graduate Scheme for 2019/20 and 2020/21, which will be an increase in the Revenue budget by £70,000 a year, be approved and that both schemes be reviewed every two years to consider the ongoing need for both the schemes.

The subject of the decision:

This report sought approval of an investment into the Apprentice and Graduate Schemes from the revenue budget from 2019/20 onwards.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

Cabinet was satisfied that the continued delivery of the Apprentice and Graduate Schemes supported the Council’s priority of driving economic vitality and, more specifically, supported businesses to grow, helped maximise private sector investment, increased opportunities for young people and strengthened links with higher education establishments.

THE DECISION:

That Cabinet approves and recommends to Council that:-

(1)     the allocation of £50,000 for the Apprenticeship Scheme and £20,000 for the Graduate Scheme for 2019/20 and 2020/21, which would be an increase in the revenue budget by £70,000 a year, be approved; and

(2)     both schemes be reviewed every two years to consider the ongoing need for both the schemes.