18 Mar Braintree Council celebrates apprenticeship success
Braintree District Council is celebrating apprenticeship success with over 78 apprenticeships undertaken since the apprenticeships levy was introduced in 2017.
30 staff have completed their apprenticeships in that time and 25 are in progress at a number of different levels. Braintree District Council offers apprenticeships schemes between Level 3 (equivalent to 2 A levels) to level 7 (equivalent to a masters degree).
The apprenticeship programme, run in collaboration with specialist apprenticeship partners, marries on-the-job training and theoretical learning, so apprentices can apply their learning in real-industry and job-specific scenarios while obtaining a more in-depth background into their chosen sector.
Apprenticeship programmes have helped address the skills shortage in particular fields, offering career starters the chance to obtain direct experience and training in a certain areas. Existing employees can take on apprenticeships to upskill and develop their professional qualifications and memberships.
Fiona Hunter, Planning Officer at Braintree District Council, completed a MSc Town Planning Degree Apprenticeship one year ago. She said: “My apprenticeship has enabled me to proceed with working towards becoming a chartered town planner with the RTPI as the degree is accredited.”
“People think of apprenticeships as being only for 16-18 year olds, and on a low level of pay doing a lower level role. There are a range of apprenticeships up to master level degrees.“
Cllr McKee, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Transformation, said: “I am a strong advocate of apprenticeships and strongly encourage people to take this as a route into work and to develop in your career. I feel it’s important to celebrate the brilliant achievements of the council apprentices at all levels and all their hard work across many of the council service areas.”
Braintree District Council are currently in the process of recruiting; a Customer Service Apprentice, a Housing, Communities and Leisure – Health & Wellbeing Apprentice and a Housing and Leisure (Data Analytics Technician) Apprentice and will be advertising these opportunities soon.
