Whilst the Government is championing apprenticeships for businesses and the public sector. Birmingham City Council (BCC) have taken the initiative and launched their training and apprenticeship programme 18 months ahead of the government, thanks to a number of initiatives implemented by Councillor Alan Rudge, the Council's Cabinet Member for Equalities and Human Resources.

Councillor Rudge, who is the 'Champion' for the Council's training and apprenticeship programme Is clear about the benefits such schemes can bring "Apprenticeships are a fundamental part of the Council's strategy to develop a suitably qualified and experienced workforce to deliver vital services to the population of Birmingham," explains Councillor Rudge.

"As a principal employer, the city council leads by example, whilst sharing best practice and expertise to encourage other organisations to develop apprenticeship programmes."

In years gone by Birmingham City Council was one of the local authorities that has always offered significant apprenticeship opportunities but in recent years this seemed to have been put on the back burner. When I took up office in 2004 I was determined that we would make great strides to re-establish and extending our apprenticeships programme under a coprorate approach.

BCC currently has 55 trainees and apprentices on board a range of programmes within its directorates and this will increase to around 94 by April this year.

Human Resources have developed its own programme where currently 6 apprentices are spread across different directorates. Two are working in construction and urban design, one in health and safety, two in community finance with another training to be a technical officer within housing. They are fully supported by programme champions and working sub groups that keep the programme visible, increase knowledge and improve communications.

"Commitment at a senior and operational level is essential," says Councillor Rudge.

"We have agreed targets with individual directorates that reflect workforce need and developed a flexible, rather than one size fits all, approach to meet the needs of a wide range of young people and adults.

" Our initial programmes were focused on young people aged 16-25 but we have widened the scope to include adult apprenticeships, which are increasingly in demand as more people find themselves losing their jobs and are looking for opportunities to re-train.

"We realise that during a recession skills can be lost and adult apprenticeships are one way of helping to reduce this decline."

BCC is also working with other agencies and is carrying out extensive work in the community to promote apprenticeship opportunities and has welcomed the Government's recognition at last that more needs to be done to ensure that young people in particular are aware of the benefits.

"I am delighted with the schemes that have been launched so far, forward thinking organisations like BCC will continue to implement and maintain appropriate schemes in our workforce and in the current economic climate it is more important than ever to ensure that as an employer we have the skills we need to deliver success," adds Councillor Rudge.

The apprenticeship programme at BCC is part of its commitment to 'grow' its own future talent by developing and supporting a portfolio of programmes and is in keeping with the wider human resources agenda to modernise and refocus their approach to people management by empowering and engaging its workforce.