Celebrating apprentices of the past and present
THE success of past and present apprentices at Bridgend County Borough Council have been celebrated at a special event to mark National Apprenticeship Week 2018.
Thirty current apprentices and 17 former apprentices, who have gone on to secure permanent jobs at the council, all came together to discuss their experiences.
The council – which is the county borough’s biggest employer – currently employs 24 apprentices across a wide range of departments, including Business Administration, Learning and Development, Civil and Structural Engineering, and IT, as well as six apprentices at Heronsbridge School.
All of the apprentices are gaining experience, earning a wage and working towards a nationally recognised qualification.
Among those kick-starting their careers thanks to the council is Loren Stephens, a learning and development apprentice, who said: “University wasn’t for me, so I spent time considering my options and felt that an apprenticeship would be ideal.
“I love the fact that I can earn and learn, and pick up lots of valuable experience which will be beneficial for my future.”
One of the role models for the council’s current intake of apprentices is Cory Tyzack, who joined the local authority as an apprentice in the IT department and has since gained a full time job as well as a promotion.
Twenty three year-old Cory said: “Doing an apprenticeship has helped to get me into the career I want, and has allowed me to gain further qualifications and on-the-job experience. I would certainly recommend an apprenticeship to anyone.”
Councillor Huw David, the leader of Bridgend County Borough Council, said: “National Apprentice Week provides a fantastic opportunity for employers across the UK to celebrate the success of apprenticeships while encouraging even more young people to choose apprenticeships as a pathway to a great career.
“Our apprenticeship programme has been in place since 2013, and it was great to meet all of our current apprentices as well as those who have successfully completed apprenticeships and subsequently secured jobs with the council.
“We are committed to supporting young people by creating apprenticeship opportunities wherever possible and developing our managers of the future, and I would like to wish all of our current apprentices the best of luck with their careers.”
To find out about current opportunities within the council, please visit their careers page at www. bridgend.gov.uk/jobs.
For further information and advice about apprenticeships, please call Careers Wales on 0800 100 900 or you can visit their website at: www. careerswales.com.