Winning a Big Tick

Mary O’Shaughnessy

October 2011

The programmes – utilities apprenticeships

• Apprentice Programme • Started November 2008 in response to

demand from business for skilled workers both immediately and to replenish an ageing workforce.

• Offering opportunities for NEETS and non • academic achievers.• Positions in field and support roles.• Achieving a Level 2 qualification with the • opportunity to progress.• Actively encourage applications for those from • disadvantaged groups.

Resettlement Programme – Adults

• Started July 2009 • Working with The Construction Youth Trust

and HMP’s Sudbury and Stafford.• Providing unpaid training placements pre

and post release for those without skills/qualifications to bring them to a level 2 qualification.

• Offering paid employment to those successfully completing the training programme.

• Access to employment for those with suitable skills with the opportunity to progress into a more suitable role on release.

Resettlement Programme – Juveniles

• Trial in the North West with Construction Youth Trust and Hindley YOI. Started September 2010.

• Working with 5 young people, 1 is a care leavers. Offering them with an unpaid work placement with the opportunity to apply for an apprenticeship.

• 3 currently on apprentice programme. One completed level 2 qualification and has just started level 3.

• Providing them with Mentoring and support.• Working with YOT teams and other support

workers to reduce the risk of reoffending

Preparing the evidence

• Look at the impact of the programme rather than the numbers involved.

• Speak to the participants and those involved with the programmes, what positive changes have they notice.

• What's the direct or indirect benefit to those involved and the community in which they live.

• Look at feedback from external organisations involved with the participants. What have been their observations.

• Get BITC to critique and based on their feedback be prepared to redo. Its amazing how much clearer you think when you have external feedback.