South Gloucestershire Council

Published: 07/03/2013

Thanks to a partnership between us and South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, we have already hired a number of apprentices aged 16 to 24 who are working in areas including housing, catering, Street Care and administration.

During next week, we are hoping to attract further apprentices to come and work with us and our suppliers. The benefits of joining an apprenticeship programme include receiving a contract of employment and support to gain relevant qualifications through on-the-job learning, workplace support and college attendance.

Andrew Cambridge, 18, from Downend, has started a business administration course and is working as a print room apprentice. He said: "I left sixth form and I was looking for jobs and then I saw this opportunity. I’m really enjoying it and would recommend the scheme to others."

Cllr John Goddard, Chair of the Resources Sub Committee, said: "Apprenticeships provide young people with the opportunity to earn a salary while improving their skills with on-the-job training. They develop specialist skills with clear career progression plans to take away with them.

"I would like to see more young people and businesses choosing apprenticeships and I hope events taking place throughout South Gloucestershire and beyond during National Apprenticeship Week will raise the profile and esteem of our young apprentices."

If you are interested in becoming an apprentice, contact Elaine Eldridge on 01454 865884.

Our partners at Merlin Housing also run an apprenticeship scheme. They took on seven new recruits last year and a further three are due to start soon thanks to a successful recruitment day held in December last year.