Telford & Wrekin Council increases apprentice offer
Telford & Wrekin Council is giving Lord Alan Sugar a run for his money as it announces that it aims to double the number of apprenticeships offered by the Council over the next year.
The Council’s Apprenticeship scheme has been running for nine years and taken over 400 people through the scheme to gain qualifications and a taste of working life. Over 125 of these have gone on to jobs with the Council.
The announcement comes after the Council has been celebrating the role of apprentices in the workplace during National Apprenticeship Week.
Currently Telford & Wrekin Council’s apprenticeship programme has 54 apprentices working across the organisation from leisure to schools, customer services and ICT, to name but a few.
Cllr Paul Watling, cabinet member for children, young people and families said: “Our programme has been running since 2003 and has helped many local young people develop skills, qualifications and careers.
“We realise that times are hard especially for young people who are looking to secure their first job. After seeing the successful results of the Council’s apprenticeship scheme over the years, this is something that we are really keen to support and offer to more young people in the borough.
“Walking around council buildings it is great to see how many of our former apprentices have decided to stay with us to develop successful careers. Through increasing our apprentice scheme we aim to capture young people’s enthusiasm and fresh ideas to help to shape and deliver council services. Young people today want to work, develop new sills and contribute to our community. These Council Apprenticeships are an ideal way to achieve all of these goals”
Andrew Morris, Highways Engineer Apprentice since last Summer said: “Being a Telford & Wrekin Council apprentice is something I would recommend to anyone.
“As an apprentice with the Council as part of the Highways & Engineering team, I have been able to gain experience and knowledge that previously I could have only imagined.”
The Skills Funding Agency provides the funding that allows apprentices to gain their NVQs, while Telford & Wrekin Council provides employment and on the job training, and support to apprentices.
If you are interested in finding out more about apprenticeships, visit our website at www.apprenticeships.org.uk or contact Lynda Pascoe, Career Start Officer on 01952 383571.
