Members were advised that research had been undertaken to identify possible apprenticeship opportunities within the Council to increase the number of apprentices from the current two to six.  Each apprenticeship would last for one year and it was proposed the scheme would continue for  four years.

Members requested a breakdown of the costs provided within the report.

Cllr Kendall MOVED and Cllr Keeble SECONDED the recommendations within the report and it was RESOLVED that:

1.To note the research undertaken to date to investigate the proposal for an Apprenticeship scheme for the Council.

2.To agree to support the proposal in principle for four apprenticeships within the Council subject to the additional resources (£83,000) being agreed as part of the 2015/16 budget setting process.