Apprenticeships Deliver For Council

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2014, East Riding of Yorkshire Council is keen to highlight its commitment to developing its workforce and recognising the need to have appropriate routes into employment.

Apprenticeships have been identified as one of these routes and, at a time when the number of young people unemployed is high, it is important to highlight the job opportunities available to them.

The council plays an important role in the creation of apprenticeship opportunities, both within its own workforce and with organisations across the East Riding, and employs 32 apprentices across a range of service areas and in local primary and secondary schools.

These apprentices undertake a range of apprenticeship qualifications, from health and social care, business administration and customer service to supporting teaching and learning in schools, cleaning and environmental services, arboriculture and sign making.

Adam Lyons, an apprentice caretaker at Beverley Minster Primary School, said: “I was looking at the council’s recruitment site and spotted the apprenticeship vacancy. I used to be a pupil there so I knew the site well. It is also very close to where I live so a job there sounded perfect. I applied online and was invited for interview, this included answering questions and having a tour of the site with the school caretaker. I must have made the right impression because they offered me the job.

“I assist with the opening and locking up of the school and if there are any repairs required, I can use my joinery skills to mend tables, chairs and doors. I am on hand to help with moving furniture, fixing lights and any general DIY tasks. I am also quite handy with a paintbrush and can help sort out any plumbing issues.”

Kate Girking, school business manager at Beverley Minster Primary School, said: “We were keen to offer somebody a training opportunity and establishing an apprentice post was the best solution. We support Adam in learning about the workplace and what is expected of him and in turn, we have someone on site that is developing their skills and can help us complete tasks that might not have been done so readily in the past.”

There has been an increase in apprentice numbers since this time last year and a marked increase in the number of enquiries about apprenticeships via the council’s dedicated web page.

Over 50 apprentices have completed their qualification with the council over the past three years, with 50 per cent of them securing employment in the council and others securing positions with some sub-contractors and partners, such as the NHS.

John Skidmore, interim director of corporate strategy and commissioning at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Apprenticeships provide a chance to get hands-on experience, learn new skills, develop knowledge and gain qualifications needed for a chosen career. They offer an excellent route into longer term employment and with the extensive range of qualifications available we encourage both service areas and schools to consider offering apprenticeship opportunities.”

Councillor Margaret Chadwick, cabinet portfolio for council support services, said: “The council is proud to again be supporting National Apprenticeship Week, which will provide a platform to showcase the range of services on offer to people considering applying for apprenticeships and information about available opportunities, both within the authority and externally.