Telford & Wrekin Council's Young Apprentices

Telford and Wrekin Council's Apprenticeship programme has 55 apprentices working across the organisation this year from leisure to schools, customer services and ICT, to name but a few.

This week, a programme of activities is taking place to recognise the talent and skills of the apprentices at the council. As part of the celebration, apprentices will attend Managers meeting and join in walkabouts to raise their profile and carryout media interviews. Telford & Wrekin Council's Apprentices will also be helping to support Fair Trade fortnight which will be running from February - March.

Cllr Paul Watling, cabinet member for children, young people and families said: "This is a great opportunity for apprentices to demonstrate the skills and benefits they bring to the workplace.

"The Council's Apprenticeship scheme has grown and grown since it started nine years ago. Our programme has been running since 2003 and has helped many young people across Telford and Wrekin develop skills, qualifications and careers. Apprenticeships give young people the opportunity to gain work experience at the same time as learning essential life skills."

Seventeen year old Nicole Smith from Arleston in Telford is doing an apprenticeship in community development and has been placed in the council's community engagement team. She says: "Since I started my apprenticeship with the council I have been able to work with lots of different people.

"I've supported a youth club at Hadley Learning Community, helped in community garden projects with local people in Brookside and have helped support national projects like the Big Tidy Up for Britain.

"What I like most about being an apprentice for Telford  & Wrekin Council is that I have been given lots of opportunities and have gained a lot of on the job experience. I would recommend it to any young person who has just left school and is looking to gain work related skills and qualifications."

Apprenticeship week is a national led campaign dedicated to the hard work apprentices provide to a range of employers all over the UK.

The Skills Funding Agency provides the funding that allows apprentices to gain their NVQs, while Telford & Wrekin Council provides the employment opportunity.

The knowledge and skills acquired throughout the apprenticeship does not only increase employability but also provides opportunities to pursue further education, resulting in a wealth of options in career progression for its apprentices.

If you are interested in finding out more about apprenticeships, visit the Apprenticeship Week website at http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/ or contact:

Lynda Pascoe, Career Start Officer on 01952 383571