National Apprenticeships Week is being celebrated by Blaby District Council by highlighting the incredible contribution they make to the organisation.
National Apprenticeship Week 2019 began on 4th March and runs to 8th March.
The annual celebration of apprenticeships aims to bring the whole apprenticeship community together to celebrate the impact of apprenticeships on individuals, employers and the economy.
Since 2017 Blaby District Council has employed 16 apprentices in nine different areas of the authority. 10 are currently employed in a variety of areas, ranging from planning and customer services to the vehicle workshop.
Apprentices have helped to shape the Council’s workforce and prepare for the future.
A number of services require specialist skills, experience and knowledge which can be hard to find in the job market. Existing staff are also given the opportunity to study apprenticeships that can develop their skills and achieve higher qualifications.
The programme has been a success, with over half of completed apprentices going on to full employment or further levels of training with the Council.
Other apprentices have gone on to gain employment elsewhere and helping local businesses recruit talented, skilled individuals.
Lauren Hubbard, Leisure, Tourism and Heritage apprentice, said: “Doing my apprenticeship has given me an opportunity to complete my ICT and Business qualifications. These will help me in my long term employment goals, and I have met helpful and supportive colleagues along the way.”
“I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone who wants to have hands-on, paid experience in the workplace.”
Kate Kells, Strategic Manager for HR, said: “The sheer number of apprentices we employ highlights how much of a success they are to the Council. We are lucky to get dedicated, hard-working apprentices whenever we recruit. The quality of talent for apprentices is extremely high.
“Our trust in apprentices is rewarded as we can either offer them the opportunity to join us permanently at the end of their course, or see them move on to the next chapter in their career.”
Blaby District Council’s work with businesses on the New Lubbesthorpe development has helped 10 young people secure apprenticeships and the chance to train up for a long-term career in their chosen industry. One apprentice, Taylor, said: “I enjoy being on site, whatever the weather. It’s never boring, there’s always something different to do. I’d like to complete all three levels of my course, qualify as a bricklayer and own my own business one day.”
Any apprenticeship opportunities at Blaby District Council are advertised on the jobs section of the website, via www.blaby.gov.uk/jobs.