URL: https://mansfield.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2005

Decision Maker: Chief Executive Officer

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To formally restructure the Housing Repairs apprenticeship establishment by removing two (2) Property Maintenance Operations (PMO) apprentice posts (HC65Z) and establishing one (1) Gas/Plumbing and one (1) Electrical apprenticeship post in their place.

Content: To formally restructure the Housing Repairs apprenticeship establishment by removing two (2) Property Maintenance Operations (PMO) apprentice posts (HC65Z) and establishing one (1) Gas/Plumbing and one (1) Electrical apprenticeship post in their place.   The decision is driven by a critical need to address both national and local skills shortages within specialised trades: ·       National Context: o   Electrical Sector: The UK faces a 5.5% decline in apprenticeship starts despite an estimated requirement for 12,000 additional electricians by 2030. Currently, fewer than 20% of classroom learners transition into apprenticeships within a year. o   Plumbing Sector: Approximately 73,700 new plumbers are required by 2032, compounded by a 47% national dropout rate in construction apprenticeships. o   Long-term Demand: The UK Trade Skills Index 2024 indicates an urgent requirement for 1.3 million new skilled workers over the next decade. ·       Local Service Resilience: o   A recent review of the Housing Repairs service identified an ageing workforce and increasing difficulties in external recruitment. o   The service currently utilises a 27-month PMO program. Transitioning to specialised 36-month (Plumbing/Gas) and 48-month (Electrical) programs supports a ‘Grow Your Own’ model. o   This realignment ensures a sustainable pipeline of talent to fill future vacancies in high-demand technical roles, strengthening service resilience. Financial Implications ·       Funding Source: All salary costs will be met through the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) 2160. ·       Training Costs: Apprenticeship training fees will be covered via the Apprenticeship Levy. ·       Establishment Details: o   Working Week: 37 hours (Monday–Friday). o   Duration: 48 months (Electrical) and 36 months (Plumbing/Gas), including End Point Assessments.   Period Predicted Costs (2 Posts) Sept 26 – Feb 27 (Apprenticeship Rate) £ 15,434 March 27 (Age 18–20 Rate) £ 3,489 April 27 – March 28 (Age 18–20 Rate) £ 41,866 April 28 – March 29 (Age 18–20 Rate) £ 41,866 April 29 – March 30 (Electrical Post Only) £ 20,933 Total Predicted Costs (Excl. National Pay Increases) £ 123,588 Opt-in Pension Employer Contribution £ 22,122       Maintain Status Quo: Continuing with the current PMO apprentice structure was considered. However, this was rejected as it fails to address the specific technical skill gaps in electrical and plumbing teams and ignores the strategic shift toward higher-level technical apprenticeships.  

Date of Decision: July 1, 2026