Council marks National Apprenticeship Week 2023

 

Bridgend County Borough Council is celebrating the valuable contribution of its apprentices during National Apprenticeship Week which runs between 6-12 February 2023.

The council currently has 24 apprentices who work across 10 different departments including Business Support, ICT, Social Care, Highways and Green Spaces.

Since the apprenticeship programme was launched in 2013, the council has successfully supported 116 apprentices – many of whom have since gone on to gain employment with the local authority.

Aimie Shanahan started her social care career with a two-year apprenticeship at the council, following her decision to change her career whilst on furlough during the pandemic.

“I thought gaining new qualifications was something I wouldn’t be able to do because of my age,” said Aimie.

“Every job I was looking at wanted a QCF Level qualification and this was the perfect opportunity for me to get a qualification and continue to work at the same time.

“You’re still doing the same job, you’re just learning whilst you’re doing it. I have both a mortgage and a family and I had no financial difficulties throughout the apprenticeship. If I can do it, anybody can!”

Also, Laura Ashton is a former Procurement Apprentice and has since gone on to work for the council as a Category Support Assistant, she said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my apprenticeship and it’s clear that the skills I gained are invaluable to my current job and my future career as a whole.”

Apprentices allow us as a local authority to recruit new talent who are hungry to learn and enable individuals to develop professional skills and gain valuable experience, while earning a wage and working towards an accredited qualification.

The council has a wide range of different departments and when you consider the number of different apprenticeships on offer- this makes for the perfect combination.

Councillor Hywel Williams, Cabinet Member for Resources

Available apprenticeships within the council are advertised on Bridgend County Borough Council’s job page.

For further information and advice about apprenticeships, contact Careers Wales on 0800 100 900 or visit the Careers Wales website.