Agents of Change ~ Apprenticeships Norfolk featured in exciting new report!

Apprenticeships Norfolk are delighted to feature in the Edge Foundation report 'Agents of Change' also being launched today - highlighting how we deliver an extensive portfolio of brokerage services to support businesses in Norfolk to successfully start apprenticeships. As part of the National Apprenticeship Hub Network we see every day how the right support can unlock opportunities, especially in SMEs who are the backbone of our Communities. 

We welcome the report outlining 'what is working' - and how our hubs are supporting businesses in our regions, through a variety of strategic initiatives, to increase apprenticeships - handholding time poor businesses to navigate the process, providing a place-based, free and impartial service. 

We fully support the clear recommendations to scale up this important brokerage support. Funding intermediaries to expand reach, will undoubtedly ensure more small businesses deliver skills for growth across the UK through apprenticeships. 

Please read the report, featuring Apprenticeships Norfolk:
Agents of Change Report

Foreword ~ Agents of Change

"Growing the supply of apprenticeships and training opportunities, meeting local labour market needs, and increasing employer investment in skills training requires connection between employers and their prospective apprentices and trainees - be they young people or adults. 

How to do that effectively is a question that unites hiring managers, schools and colleges, training providers, local and combined authorities and policymakers in Westminster. 

As you will see in this report, Norfolk is just one example of the power of brokerage. We stepped up our services following the pandemic; co-creating an inspiring SME focused TV and marketing campaign, alongside providing a wide portfolio of practical and financial support for local SMEs. And it paid off - that year we saw an 18% growth in apprenticeships, compared to 9% nationally, and we've continued to see increasing numbers of SME-based apprenticeship starts since then. 

There are similar intermediary services up and down the country doing equally amazing work - with initiatives often delivered by accessing short-term funding. Along with co-founding hubs in Solent, Manchester, Bristol and London, we created the National Apprenticeship Hub Network - bringing the opportunity for like-minded colleagues to share practice, lessons learned and opportunities for collaboration. We are an organic, homegrown network, made up of some truly incredible organisations creating valuable impact in their regional communities. 

I'm very proud of what we achieve, but goodwill and short-term funding can only take us so far. If we want a truly universal brokerage service, we need commitment from central government. 

So, I'm really pleased to see this report from the Edge Foundation, calling on government to make sure every SME, regardless of postcode, can access the support they need to hire an apprentice."

Katy Dorman

Apprenticeship Strategy Manager, Apprenticeships Norfolk

(Norfolk County Council)