Council welcomes a new batch of apprentices

Twenty five young people have joined the County Council at the start of their two year apprenticeships.

The successful apprenticeship programme has been running for many years across all areas of the Council’s work in business administration, customer service, ICT and civil engineering.  For  the first time this year ten young people have also been recruited to  the social care apprenticeships within the council’s own residential homes.    The apprentices work towards nationally recognised qualifications and gain excellent ‘on the job’ experience over the two years. They are often involved in a range of high profile projects in their area of work and help develop the services from a young person’s perspective.

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Cabinet Member responsible for the apprenticeship scheme said: “I’m delighted the County Council is leading by example and working to encourage other employers to have their own apprenticeships schemes. Not only do the apprenticeships play an important role in helping to provide the talent our services will need in the future, they also provide excellent training and employment opportunities to Devon’s young people.”

Mary Trapnell, one of the new apprentices said: “Since starting my apprenticeship I’ve really enjoyed myself, especially working with the performance learning and development team, everyone’s so friendly and made me feel welcome.

“My first major task was to help out with the graduation ceremony, this was an exciting time as it gave me the chance to see what I’ve got to look forward to, and some of the things previous apprentices have achieved over the years. It was particularly nice to hear managers say such kind and positive words about their apprentices; it was very inspiring and made me hope that in two years time when I’m graduating I will get the same response from my manager, regarding the work I will have done.”

The apprentices are supported in their work where their skills and knowledge are developed over time. In previous years the apprentices have presented information to senior managers and councillors, represented the council at national awards and become mentors for new apprentices.

The scheme is very successful with 100% of the apprentices gaining their qualifications and 98% securing employment with the County Council at the end of the two years.

Anyone interested in becoming an apprentice should contact anne.barnett@devon.gov.uk