Agenda item

To scrutinise the proposal for closure of Y Prentis and transfer all undertakings to Cyfle, a similar scheme in West Wales.

Hannah Jones introduced the proposal to close the Apprentice shared construction apprenticeship scheme and transition it to a project under Cyfle, a similar scheme based in West Wales.

  

• The Apprentice scheme was established in 2012 by Monmouthshire County Council and Melin Homes to address the need for socially procured goods, services, and work in the construction industry across Southeast Wales.  

• Hannah discussed the successes of the scheme, that has trained over 340 apprentices, secured more than £1.95 million in funding, and worked with five colleges and 149 contractors. 

• She also advised that the scheme had faced challenges such as declining completion rates, difficulty sourcing placements, apprenticeship wage deficits, and financial losses over the past two years.   

• A review had been undertaken by Monmouthshire County Council and Torfaen Borough Council, which presented two options: cease operations or redesign the delivery model.  She explained that in January 2025, Melin Homes who was a shareholder had withdrawn, so the proposal was to transition the scheme to Cyfle.  

• Cyfle is an established shared apprenticeship scheme in West Wales, which could take over the delivery of the scheme, ensuring a seamless transition for staff and apprentices.  

• Monmouthshire County Council conducted due diligence checks on Cyfle, confirming its suitability to take over the scheme. The current company has a surplus of £100,000, which will be transferred to Cyfle to support the transition.  

• In terms of future plans, Monmouthshire County Council aims to develop a skills centre to meet the needs of children, young people, businesses, and industry in the region.  

• Cyfle will provide strategic leadership, to ensure the completion of apprenticeships and support the long-term sustainability of the scheme. 

 

Key Points raised by Members:  

 

• What guarantees do we have that the scheme will be high profile and not just a small part of a bigger beast? Is there any evidence to suggest that it being run by three organisations based in West Wales is the ideal way forward? 

 

Hannah expressed confidence in Cyfle's delivery model and business focus, noting their engagement with Welsh government and contractors, stating that she believes Cyfle's expansion into Southeast Wales will be effective.  

 

• What are the historical figures of apprentices from Monmouthshire, and why is the current figure only one out of 60 apprentices? 

 

Hannah acknowledged the low number of apprentices from Monmouthshire and explained efforts to source more opportunities. She noted that the scheme is regional, and higher numbers are expected in other authorities.  

 

• The report mentions a recommendation that the Council has a seat on the new Directors Board. Will this be a Cabinet Member or an officer? How often does the board meet, and what is the role of directors in taking the scheme’s plans forward? 

 

Hannah suggested that an officer would be more suitable for the board seat, given the need for knowledge and regular updates.  

 

• Why have completion rates declined significantly over the past three years, and what has been done to remedy this? What is the feedback from apprentices and employers? 

 

Hannah attributed the decline in completion rates to the challenges of the Level 3 qualification and other barriers. She mentioned ongoing conversations with Welsh government and contractors to address these issues.  

 

• Is the figure of 340 apprentices and £1.95 million in funding specific to Monmouthshire or the entire region? 

 

Hannah clarified that the figures are for the entire region, with Monmouthshire having a proportionate number of apprentices.  

 

• We have concerns about the geographical location of Cyfle being in West Wales and not having a base locally and whether this would create travel issues for apprenticeships and affect local business engagement. Also we are concerned there may be a lack of knowledge and connections to Southeast Wales. Why couldn't we find more businesses to support the existing provision, and what has Cyfle said about coming into the region? Have they done any research? 

 

Hannah acknowledged the concern and mentioned that Cyfle has engaged with colleges in the region and is having conversations with contractors. She expressed confidence in Cyfle's ability to build up knowledge and have ongoing conversations across the region.  

 

• Will Cyfle retain the existing staff from YPrentis? 

 

Hannah confirmed that Cyfle would ensure a seamless transition for staff and apprentices, retaining the existing staff. 

 

• Why can't we recruit quality apprentices, and what will we get back from the transition to Cyfle? Is there a need for this scheme? 

 

Will explained that the scheme is no longer meeting the needs of Monmouthshire's young people and businesses. The transition to Cyfle will allow current apprentices to complete their qualifications and enable Monmouthshire to develop a more suitable vehicle for future apprenticeships.  

 

• Why have some apprentices not been paid? Is it because they haven't completed or haven't been turning up? Who is supervising them? 

 

Hannah acknowledged there had been challenges in completion rates and barriers faced by learners.  

 

• What are the key successes of YPrentis, and how do they reflect the achievement of grants? 

 

Hannah highlighted the training of over 340 apprentices and securing £1.95 million in funding as key successes. She acknowledged the challenges but emphasised the importance of these achievements.  

 

• What are the risks of apprentices not completing, redeployment of staff, and the risk of reputation? 

 

Hannah outlined the risks, including apprentices not completing their qualifications, redeployment of staff, and potential damage to reputation. She emphasised the importance of a seamless transition to mitigate these risks. 

  

• Is the proposed project within the Cyfle Shared Building Skills Shared Apprenticeship Scheme the ideal way forward, considering it is run by organisations based in West Wales? 

 

Hannah explained that they have been meeting regularly with Cyfle and are confident in their delivery model and business focus. They have engaged with Welsh Government and believe the match is fit for purpose going forward.  

 

• What guarantees do we have that the scheme will be high profile and not just a small part of a bigger beast? 

 

Hannah assured that Cyfle is keen to expand into Southeast Wales and has already engaged with colleges and contractors in the region. They are confident that Cyfle will build up the necessary knowledge and presence.  

 

• What is the feedback from apprentices on the reasons for declining completion rates, and what has been done to remedy this over the last two years? 

 

Hannah acknowledged the concerns around declining completion rates and explained that the lack of a Level 2 qualification in Wales has been a significant barrier. They have spoken to Welsh Government about this issue and are aware of the challenges.  

 

• What is the feedback from employers, and how has this been constructively dealt with to improve the situation? 

 

Hannah mentioned that they have been in discussions with employers and Welsh Government to address the challenges and improve the completion rates.  

 

• In terms of the completion rates of apprentices, is there a record of completed apprentices having got permanent jobs? 

 

Hannah responded that the scheme has trained over 340 apprentices, and those are the figures that would reflect sustainable employment. She mentioned that she could provide more detailed breakdowns if needed.  

 

• In terms of the sustainability of the project, I’m concerned about the £1600 overspend, the reliance on grants, the negotiation of the next lease and the potential urgent costs. I don’t feel I have enough information and have concerns about the proposal. 

 

Hannah responded that they are aware of the overspend and have income coming  

in a number of grant funding streams and from contractors. There has been added costs over the past few years. She acknowledged the Member’s concerns, but advised this is the best option moving forward. 

 

Chair's Summary: 

 

• The Committee thanks officers for a detailed report and presentation and highlighted key points discussed, including the challenges faced by the YPrentis scheme, such as declining completion rates and the lack of a Level 2 qualification in Wales. 

 

• Members acknowledge that the proposed transition of the YPrentis scheme to become a project under Cyfle would offer potential benefits, including a seamless transition for staff and apprentices and the strategic leadership which would be provided by Cyfle. 

 

• We have expressed our concern about the proximity to Monmouthshire, Cyfle being based in West Wales and therefore we feel there is a need for regular updates on the progress of the transition to ensure the scheme's success in Southeast Wales. 

 

• We have had a rounded debate and Members have expressed a range of views, however, there is consensus to support option 3, which is the cessation of YPrentis and its transfer to Cyfle. 

 

Upon the vote, 8 were in favour for the cessation of Y Prentis and its transfer to Cyfle with 1 abstention.