AS NATIONAL Apprenticeship Week comes to an end, Reading Borough Council is marking the success of its scheme.
It says that last year, 18 people signed up, learning practical skills and gaining qualifications along the way – as well as helping residents.
Since launching the scheme in 2017, the council says it has taken on more than 50 new apprentices, and helped develop more than 200 existing staff members.
It has worked with more than 50 further education providers, including Reading College, Henley College, Reading University, and New Directions College, offering schemes running from 12 months to five years, and placements up to degree level.
And they have been offered in every discipline including from legal, social care, environmental health, finance and accounting, regulatory services, building control, and early years. The only requirements for applicants are that they are over 16, and not currently in full-time education or work.
Jackie Yates, chief executive of Reading Borough Council, said: “Reading Council is committed to developing its workforce for the future and I’m delighted we can provide such valuable opportunities for anyone wanting to kick-start their career, or looking for a change of direction in the public sector.
“I’d strongly encourage all employers in Reading to consider whether they too could help foster growth within our community by hiring an apprentice. Apprenticeships are accessible to anyone of any age and at any stage of life. They are a great way to grow talent within your workforce and develop motivated, skilled and qualified members of staff.”
This view was backed by Cllr Liz Terry, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for corporate services and resources, who said: “We are lucky to have benefited from the skills and expertise developed by our apprentices”
Apprenticeship vacancies at Reading Borough Council are advertised throughout the year.
For more details, log on to: www.reading.gov.uk/work-for-the-council/apprenticeships/
