Decision details

Committee considered a detailed report which sought approval to recommend to Council to add an apprentice position within the Procurement Team.

The Procurement Service was established in 2018 in partnership with North East Derbyshire District Council.  The service had grown and provided procurement services to a number of local authorities including parish councils which generated an additional income stream that both councils had benefited from.

To maintain the high level of service, build resilience and consider future work force planning, it was proposed to add an apprenticeship position within the team.  This would also enable further opportunities to be explored to sell procurement services further.

The cost of an apprentice was circa £10,663 per annum for 16 -18 years old or £15,114 per annum for 18 – 20 years old, and £21,685 per annum for 21 -24 years old.  These costs included all on costs.

The recently generated additional income of £2k from selling services to Gedling Borough Council (over and above the original contracted value of £18K), and the new annual income of £20K that the Council received from Amber Valley District Council, plus any Parish Council income, was sufficient to cover the cost of the apprenticeship post.

Members noted that they fully supported apprenticeships.

The Procurement Manager noted that the apprenticeship training period would be for 2 years.

The Human Resources and OD Manager advised Members that the Council advertised apprenticeships as career posts, in schools, colleges and universities and on the ‘Job Derbyshire’ website.

Moved by Councillor Sandra Peake and seconded by Councillor Mary Dooley

RECOMMENDEDthat Council approve the addition of a procurement apprentice in the Procurement Team.

(Governance/Head of Paid Service)