Council will offer their apprentices better conditions

Trainees will now be part of UNISON charter

Young people who becomes apprentices with Stirling Council are now guaranteed a better deal.

The authority has signed up to public service union UNISON’s apprenticeships Charter.

It ensures trainees receive above the national minimum wage and quality training, and also offers the the chance for more young people to earn while they learn.

A total of 91 apprentices are currently employed by the council with a further 115 employees undertaking professional learning to develop their careers.

The charter agreement aims to give more young people the chance to work and study to gain a skill, while ensuring they receive a higher pay rate than the national minimum wage.

Finance and economy convenor Margaret Brisley said: “This agreement commits the council to offering apprenticeships above national minimum wage pay and the opportunity to join the workforce under a training arrangement, which will lead to a qualification.

“The training, skills and experience they gain, working alongside talented senior colleagues, will hopefully set them up for life.”

Under the agreement, aged 16 Craft Apprentices start on an hourly rate of £5.86 – compared with the national minimum wage of £3.70. Modern Apprentices (aged 18-20) start on a £7.14 hourly rate compared with £5.90.

On qualification, usually at the end of the second year, the pay is increased to a minimum of £8.80 per hour. When a craft apprentice passes their trade test, their hourly rate increases to £11.13 per hour.

Apprenticeship training is provided by accredited organisations, such as Forth Valley College, and the apprentices also have access to an in-house council mentor.

Apprentices are guaranteed an interview for a vacant post within the council at the end of their apprenticeship.

Connie I’anson, 18, from Stirling is doing a two-year apprenticeship in administration with in the education department.

She said: “I was worried about the future, so it was great to be accepted and this has given me encouragement for the future. I’m learning a lot.

“It has been a struggle for some of my pals to find work and they find it frustrating, so I feel lucky having this chance to learn with the council.”

Stirling Council’s UNISON branch secretary Lorraine Thomson and Unite union branch secretary Frankie McCallum were both present to witness Councillor Brisley and committee vice convenor Councillor Alison Laurie sign up to the charter.

Ms Thomson said: “Apprenticeships can be a wonderful route into employment – but we must not allow young workers to be taken advantage of by unscrupulous employers. This charter commits employers to the highest standards and ensures the apprentices working for them have greater protection and the right to be paid above the national minimum wage.”

Tory group leader Councillor Neil benny added: “Stirling Council have a very good record providing high quality apprenticeships and have done so for many years. Anything that helps expand and improve what the local authority provides is to be welcomed. There are also many great companies working with our colleges and schools providing career opportunities.”