Comprehensive Notes on Kabbalah Apprenticeship Program

Introduction

• Anthony Reese is the regional manager for Kabbalah, which means "opportunities" in Welsh.
• Kabbalah covers five local authorities in Southwest Wales: Neath Port Talbot, Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, and Ceredigion.
• The area ranges from populated (Swansea) to rural (further west).
• Kabbalah recruits approximately 60 apprentices annually in the building environment.

Apprenticeships in the Built Environment

• Kabbalah focuses on the "building environment" rather than traditional "construction" to reflect the industry's shift towards low carbon, digitalization, and new technologies.
• Apprenticeships are offered in various trades: electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and bricklaying.
• Kabbalah offers 8 to 10 different apprenticeships within the built environment.

Upskilling and Training

• The discussion focuses on upskilling staff and apprentices, and the resulting effects on the work environment, organization, and motivation.
• Kabbalah has 15 staff members and 110 apprentices.
• Kabbalah piloted the first shared apprenticeship scheme in the UK in 2007.
• The organization will take on its 1000th apprentice this summer, making it the first shared apprenticeship scheme in the UK to reach this milestone.
• Staff training is essential to adapt to changes in the construction industry.
• While the industry is evolving towards low carbon and net-zero goals, traditional skills in construction and house building remain vital.
• It's important for staff to understand new terminology related to net-zero and the green economy to promote the industry effectively.

Feedback and Targeted Training

• There are various training opportunities available in the region, such as retrofit conferences and new technology seminars.
• Anthony Reese emphasizes adapting training to individual needs and skills rather than sending the entire team to every event.
• Training is targeted to specific individuals or teams based on project needs.
• Staff members who attend training sessions are expected to share their knowledge with the rest of the team.
• Resources should be used carefully to maximize the impact of training.

Prioritizing Upskilling

• Appraisals are used to identify training needs.
• Different projects (e.g., work experience programs) may require specific skills and training.
• Low carbon training is provided to selected team members to enhance understanding.
• Core team members attend essential events to gain knowledge that is then disseminated throughout the team.

Strategies and Effective Programs

• Well-being and mental health training are considered particularly important due to their impact on apprentices' success.
• All staff receive regular well-being and mental health training.
• Kabbalah partners with a charity (the Jackals for Nation) to provide professional mental health services and counseling.
• Proactive and reactive approaches are used to address well-being issues.
• Addressing mental health issues early can improve retention and attendance.
• Well-being support is considered an additional support network that enhances training programs.

Challenges in Upskilling

• A key challenge is targeting training effectively due to the abundance of available initiatives.
• Resources must be used carefully, especially considering the skills shortage in the built environment.
• Taking staff off-site for training incurs costs and can lead to a loss of critical personnel on-site.
• Training should be aligned with industry and company needs.
• Upskilling is essential for organizational growth, particularly in areas like HR and compliance.
• Financial training is also important across the board.
• When a company grows (e.g., from 10 to 100 people), compliance and other processes need to be updated, requiring new skills and training.

Government Funding

• A £1.3 billion investment in construction skills and careers was mentioned.
• However, due to devolved powers in Wales, funding mechanisms from Westminster may not always apply.
• Wales has devolved powers over skills, education, and health.
• Educational funding primarily goes to colleges and further education, rather than industry bodies.
• More funding is needed to support the transition of individuals from full-time education into apprenticeships and employment.
• There is a significant number of full-time learners in colleges (e.g., 160 in electrical courses), but only a small percentage transition into apprenticeships.

Housing Targets

• The government aims to build 1.5 million new homes in the next five years.
• Wales has its own housing targets (e.g., 30,000 houses a year).
• Wales prioritizes net-zero goals, which can add costs and time lags to planning and development.
• The entire supply chain needs to be fit for purpose, including planners, architects, machinery, and labor.
• A shortage in any area (e.g., roofers) can halt housing projects.
• There is a need for more skilled and semi-skilled workers (level 2 qualification) in the industry.
• Building houses, especially in large projects, can be repetitive, requiring a consistent skill set.
• It's important to ensure that new homes are built to a high standard and are durable, as buying a house is a significant investment for most people.

Additional Points

• Kabbalah aims to achieve 1000 apprenticeships, which would be a significant legacy.
• Apprenticeships provide young people with training, skills development, qualifications, and a good wage, which they can then spend in their communities.
• Many former apprentices have gone on to establish their own businesses and hire their own apprentices.
• The apprenticeship program has contributed over £23 million in wages.
• Sustaining funding for the next 10 years is a key challenge.
• Funding is essential to provide apprentices with the best possible training and support their future careers.
• Work experience programs are important as pre-apprenticeship opportunities.