Source: SSDA 2004. Based on the Labour Force Survey.

A high proportion of employees in the sector are taking part in job-related training. In the UK, 43% of the workforce in the sector were undertaking job related education or training in the last 13 weeks (compared to 28 % of the whole economy).

Types of training available in the sector: 

• 90% of establishments offer job related training
• 81% of establishments offer health and safety training
• 70% of establishments offer training in new technology
• 69% of establishments have induction training

The proportion of establishments funding or arranging off-the-job training for employees in all the home countries is higher in this sector than in the whole workforce. This is not, however, surprising as the sector comprises large establishments, which are more likely to offer training:

• England 93% (compared to 59% of the whole economy in England)
• Northern Ireland 85% (compared to 42% of the whole economy in Northern Ireland)
• Scotland 86% (compared to 53% of the whole economy in Scotland)
• Wales 85% (compared to 53% of the whole economy in Wales)

Source: SSDA 2004. Based on the Employer Skills Survey.

N.B. Available data include defence sector statistics.

Just over 5,300 modern apprentices were employed by local authorities in England and Wales in winter 2002. This represents about 4.5% of the full-time workforce in this age group working in local government and about 3.3% of the local government workforce in the 16-24 age group. Modern Apprentices were concentrated in authorities in the north of England (47.4%). County councils employed the highest average number of modern apprentices. More up-to-date figures will be available in 2005.

The most important reason why authorities implement modern apprenticeships is the “opportunity for young people to achieve recognised national qualifications”. The most significant perceived benefit of the Modern Apprenticeship initiative is “to be recognised as a responsible employer taking action for the future”. Authorities currently with Modern Apprentices and those that have had Modern Apprentices in the past consider “bureaucracy/ paperwork” as the major drawback to the scheme.

The future of the modern apprenticeship initiative in local government looks very positive. Only 16 authorities indicate a possible decrease in numbers and 104 forecast numbers increasing.

Source: LGNTO 2000

A downloadable leaflet on modern apprenticeships in the civil service by the Cabinet Office (2002) is available on the Civil Service website.
 

National graduate development programme for England and Wales

The National Graduate Development Programme was established in September 2002. It is a two-year programme, currently for 150 talented graduates a year, aimed at providing the local government with senior managers and leaders of the future. Candidates need a good degree (minimum 2:1) in any discipline as well as being able to demonstrate a range of skills such as teamwork, leadership, analytical ability, communication skills, organisation ability, e-awareness and motivation. 

A small number of local authorities (mostly large counties/metropolitan) have their own graduate development programmes aimed at producing their own senior managers/leaders of tomorrow. 

Source: Propsects 2004

Fast stream in the Civil Service

Fast Stream is the Civil Service’s accelerated training and development programme and takes about 500 graduates each year. The General Fast Stream includes central departments, the Diplomatic Service, the European Fast Stream, the Science and Engineering Fast Stream and Clerkships in Parliament. The specialist Fast Stream includes the Government Communication Headquarters (GCHQ), the Economists’ Fast Stream and the Statisticians’ Fast Stream.

Some government departments have their own graduate recruitment schemes, such as HM Customs and Excise, HM Treasury, the Inland Revenue and the Communication Services.

Source: Prospects 2004

Click here for a framework on lifelong learning and employability in the Civil Service.

Click here for a guide on marketable qualifications is the Civil Service.

Click here for a good practice guide to recruiting young people in local government which includes information on apprenticeships.