Apprenticeship Strategy 2026-2028

Apprenticeships remain core to our goal of supporting people and businesses in Norfolk. We recognise that inclusive economic growth, increased social mobility, productivity, innovation and resilience will be made possible through developing our people. 

 A well-educated, ambitious and flexible workforce trained to seize new opportunities is key to business success. Equally, Norfolk residents deserve to have the very best opportunities at all stages of their career, to raise their aspirations, gain the relevant skills and qualifications and to progress in challenging and rewarding work roles.  Apprenticeships can create these opportunities; they provide a clear framework for businesses to grow, for individuals to progress and will equip Norfolk with the skills to harness the opportunities of the green economy.

This strategy (and associated operational delivery plan) outlines how we intend to meet our responsibilities to support the delivery of apprenticeships locally - both as an employer and as a strategic leader - through the three strategic strands, identified by the Local Government Association (LGA) review.

Children's Services

Supporting a range of 'Pathways to Work' for students (aged 14-19) and for those in vulnerable or disadvantaged groups (such as SEND, Home Educated, Looked After Children, Care Experienced and those supervised by the Youth Offending Team).

Strategic Aims:

1. Establish apprenticeships as a key route for learners aged 16-18, leading to an increase in the proportion of applications and starts, especially in relation to vulnerable groups.
2. Promote apprenticeships as a key option route, for those aged 16-18 who face additional barriers and or who are at risk of becoming NEET, contributing to a more diverse workforce in Norfolk and championing inclusivity and equality.
3. Inspire and promote an increased awareness and understanding of apprenticeships and other work-based and vocational pathways with those supporting and working with young people (e.g. parents/carers, teachers and other professionals) so that they can support young people with aspirational, informed decision making.

Strategy, Growth and Investment

Driving economic growth in Norfolk through removing barriers to apprenticeships; including delivery of the 'Apprenticeships Norfolk' service - providing free, impartial information and a range of initiatives offering financial and practical support, for businesses and individuals (aged 19+) across the county.

Strategic Aims:

1. Increase opportunities to inspire, promote and champion apprenticeships; improving awareness and understanding of the benefits an apprenticeship can bring to individuals, businesses and the local economy; and celebrating successes.
2. Undertake primary research to better understand the barriers to taking up and completing apprenticeships, in order to develop innovative and evidence based interventions for service delivery.
3. Support an increase in the number of apprenticeship starts in Norfolk (focussing on improving balance and opportunity - as appropriate).
4. Support the system to increase the number of apprentices who complete and achieve their apprenticeships in Norfolk.
5. Increase opportunities to influence improvement to the local apprenticeship landscape in Norfolk, through collaborative and innovative systems thinking, to maximise impact.

Human Resources

Management of the NCC Workforce Apprenticeships; including utilising the NCC and Norfolk school levy to promote and support apprenticeship opportunities at NCC to existing employees and new recruits to the organisation and Norfolk schools. Also, offering guidance and support to managers and employees; procuring and monitoring quality of training provision and progress of apprenticeship delivery.

Strategic Aims:

1. Continue to support Workforce Apprenticeships at NCC and in schools, continuing to optimise apprenticeship take-up, fully utilising levy, and maintaining position as an employer of choice in terms of the quality and quantity of apprenticeships provided.
2. Deliver the early careers programme, enabling NCC to attract, recruit and retain people who are at the start of their career.  The programme includes identification and development of early careers pathways, promotion of offer to target audience, and support for employees to enable success.
3. Continue to develop NCC workforce analytics capability to help embed apprenticeships and other talent pipeline vehicles within corporate and directorate workforce plans - shaping a workforce that reflects the diversity and demographics of the Norfolk community.

Together we have developed the NCC Apprenticeship Strategy (2026-2028) (PDF, 4 MB) and Operational Delivery Plan (2026-2028) (Excel doc, 57 KB) to guide our joint support for and delivery of apprenticeships across Norfolk.

Note: These documents may not be accessible to some users. To request the information in an alternative format, please email [email protected]