Issue - meetings

1. Mrs Fordham introduced the decision, explaining that the apprenticeship programme within Community Learning and Skills (CLS)was making a loss, KCC were unable to further use any general fund to maintain the programme, as there was no guarantee that its financial position would change in the future.

2. Mr Wallace-Wells, Deputy Head of Service, explained that the service was making a significant financial loss due to low numbers of engagement. Two restructures had been undertaken within the past five years, seeking to create conditions for this provision to break even financially. These were unsuccessful and the service was making monthly losses, which averaged at £15,000 a month. The proposal was close the programme, whilst supporting the pre-existing learners to finish their apprenticeships.

3. In response to comments and questions it was said:
   1. When asked if officers had looked at models of good practice globally, Mr Wallace-Wells explained that the organisation’s apprenticeship provision had previously been much larger, with over 150 learners compared to the current 36. At that time, the provision fell below Ofsted’s minimum delivery standards, prompting required changes. An external consultant with national experience was appointed and improvements were incorporated into the 2021 restructure. A further restructure took place in 2023 due to ongoing financial misalignment. Despite these actions, engagement levels remained too low to justify the ongoing costs. Mr Wallace-Wells said that other providers in Kent offered the same opportunities and had access to the same funding as KCC.
   2. Mrs Fordham explained that due to the economic climate and the lack of an apprenticeship strategy, there was no additional funding available. Even if KCC had the trainers to compete with the private providers there were barriers to small employers being able to access or engage due to increasing costs. It was highlighted that the current delivery model was not effective, but officers intended to explore new approaches to building apprenticeship pathways and supporting employers in the future.
   3. A Member highlighted that the decision to close the apprenticeship programme was unfortunate but necessary as the scheme was flawed.
   4. When asked if any lessons had been learnt from this, Ms McInnes explained that there were lessons learnt, KCC was committed to providing the high quality provisions.
   5. When asked if the service had looked to refocus and reduce the scale of the programme, Mr Wallace-Wells explained that qualifications for careers such as teaching assistants had previously been delivered internally but were currently commissioned externally by KCC through approved providers, identified via procurement.

4. In accordance with paragraph 16.31 of the Constitution, Ms Nolan wished for it to be recorded in the minutes that she voted against endorsing the proposed decision 25/00056 KCC Community Learning and Skills (CLS) Adult Education Funding Reform - Apprenticeship Programme.

RESOLVED that the Committee considered and endorsed the proposed decision.