Apply for an apprenticeship at South Gloucestershire Council
What is an apprenticeship
An apprenticeship is a genuine job that gives you a real wage, combined with learning to study for a formal qualification and on-the-job training to develop significant work based skills. By the end of your apprenticeship with us, you'll hopefully have gained the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in your chosen career.
Levels of apprenticeship
Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels:
| Name | Level | Equivalent educational level |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate | 2 | GCSE |
| Advanced | 3 | A level |
| Higher | 4 and 5 | Foundation degree and above |
| Degree | 6 and 7 | Bachelor's or master's degree |
You can find out more about apprenticeships on the GOV.UK website.
South Gloucestershire Council apprenticeship scheme
We currently offer apprenticeships at intermediate, advanced and higher level in a number of different areas. To date we have had apprenticeships in:
We work in partnership with a number of training providers to deliver the council’s apprenticeships. Training is delivered in different ways depending on the training provider.
What are the benefits of being an apprentice?
There are many benefits to being an apprentice, such as;
- Earn while you learn – get paid to gain a recognised qualification!
- Beginning a long-term career pathway that could give you the opportunity to earn a higher salary.
- Gaining a great experience in the working world, where hands on training gives you the chance to put skills into practice and become more confident.
- There are currently over 300 apprenticeship standards in which to choose from, with hundreds more in further development.
Why become an apprentice for South Gloucestershire Council
Our apprenticeship scheme offers:
- an allocated workplace mentor
- additional in-house training
- the opportunity to become a Young Apprentice Ambassador
In addition to this we offer:
- generous holiday entitlement (24 days plus 8 bank holidays and 1 extra statutory day)
- health and wellbeing groups such as yoga, discounted gym membership, running and walking groups
- flexi time scheme (applies to most staff)
- My Lifecycle – a staff scheme that gives you access to a number of discounts with high street retailers
Hear from some of our apprentices
What attracted you to choosing an apprenticeship?
I wanted to do an apprenticeship because it has given me the opportunity to gain experience in my job role whilst still having the benefit of being able to go to college one day a week and learn different aspects of engineering that differ from my job role. It is very varied, which I like, and also helps being able to ask for advice from colleagues who have a lot of experience.
How have you found the experience so far?
My experience so far has been really positive. I have settled in well to my job and I have been gaining good grades in college so all feedback so far has been great. I plan to continue working for South Glos at the end of my apprenticeship this year and progress onto a HNC course in Civil Engineering in September.
What do you enjoy about working for South Gloucestershire Council?
I enjoy working for South Glos because everyone has been very welcoming from the start of my apprenticeship. Being an ‘older’ apprentice and out of education for a long time I was concerned that I wouldn’t be taken seriously which hasn’t been the case. I have been given the opportunity to go on many training courses as well which have increased my knowledge and really help understand my job role. I have received a lot of support and guidance from my colleagues which has been really beneficial and I hope to continue working in the Design team and become an asset to the team, and potentially give help and advice to other apprentices, like myself, in the future.
What attracted you to choosing an apprenticeship?
There are many benefits of choosing an apprenticeship within finance. The most significant benefit for me was the workplace experience. I have found that working in an organisation alongside studying AAT gives you the opportunities to put the knowledge into action, which has helped grow my confidence levels and develop my skills.
My apprenticeship has offered me constant support and provided flexible time to study.
How have you found the experience so far?
Starting a new career can be intimidating, however, the council greeted me with a welcoming atmosphere, making me feel at ease and comfortable from day one.
I have already achieved many things during my apprenticeship; I have gained a sense of responsibility, confidence and independence. In my short time as an apprentice I have quickly progressed, being promoted within my first six months achieving a fulltime contract within the council.
I would highly recommend an apprenticeship. Often colleges and sixth forms push you to attend university. However, an apprenticeship is a great way to start your career, show that you are determined and have high ambitions, earning a wage whilst achieving a recognised qualification.
What do you enjoy about working for South Gloucestershire Council?
South Gloucestershire Council is a fantastic place to work offering many benefits to its employees. The organisation follows certain values and behaviours, ensuring everyone is treated fairly and is valued, which subsequently creates a genuine positive environment within the workplace.
South Gloucestershire Council offers its employees flexible working hours, flexible leave, and flexible study time ensuring a comfortable work life balance.
Overall, South Gloucestershire Council is a friendly and fair organisation with plenty of opportunity to progress your career and to develop your skills.