Telford & Wrekin Council achieves 100 apprentices target
Telford & Wrekin Council has achieved its target of employing 100 apprentices. The total includes newly recruited apprentices, apprentices in schools and existing employees following apprenticeship frameworks.
In keeping with its work as a co-operative council, Telford and Wrekin is continuing to recruit to apprenticeship positions so the figure is expected to increase over the next few months..
Apprentices at Telford & Wrekin Council work across a huge range of different service areas and apprenticeships range in length from 12 months to two years with each individual receiving development and support in entering the world of work.
Apprentices are employed in areas including Business Administration, Customer Services, Activity Leadership, Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools and even a new qualification in Trees & Timber.
The council set out its stall at the beginning of last year to increase the amount of apprentices it employs and has worked with local business and training providers to ensure that the number rises.
This campaign started with the council and local businesses successfully taking part in the nationwide 100 in 100 campaign, which aimed to create 100 apprenticeships in 100 days across a range of companies.
At the time that target was passed in May 2012, Telford & Wrekin Council had already recruited 44 apprentices itself and that figure has continued to steadily rise ever since.
For the first time the council now employs 100 apprentices and the aim is that this figure will continue to rise as more and more opportunities are created.
Councillor Shaun Davies, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services and Co-operative Council, said: “We made a conscious decision that as a Co-operative Council we should be at the heart of efforts to increase opportunities for young people in the borough.
“We made a commitment when together with local businesses we passed the 100 in 100 target that the council would have 100 of its own apprentices by March and I am absolutely delighted that we have achieved this. That is 100 young people serving our community and with a working focus in life.
“We will not be resting on our laurels and will continue to aim increase the number of apprentices and their progression towards rewarding careers – either with the council or local businesses.”
