Agenda item

The Panel received a PowerPoint presentation from Richard Goodwin, JGA Group, which provided Apprenticeships and other vocational training across age groups locally and nationally.

Following the conclusion of the presentation, the Chair invited comments and questions from the Panel.

During the course of the discussion, the following points were raised:

A member queried that under the current climate the trend must show a lower uptake of apprenticeship in the last 12 months. It was explained that the actual number of apprenticeships on the programme would not have changed, as the programmes had been extended in the last three months but there had been a reduction in the number of starters, due to the impact of Covid -19. Demand for management development remained high, but hospitality had been adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and further compounded by the uncertainty of Brexit.

A member asked whether the reduction in apprenticeships for 16 -18 year olds was related just to Slough or the general trend. It was explained that this was the general trend but that specialist programmes would continue to expand.

Members were advised that further details about apprenticeships could be found on the Apprenticeship Website.

Resolved – That the 2020-21 JGA Developing Futures presentation be noted.