There has never been a better time to consider applying for an apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships are increasingly being recognised as a real alternative to traditional education routes and the range of apprenticeship qualifications goes to degree level and beyond.
We have an excellent history of delivering successful apprenticeships and many of our apprentices have been successful and progressed into permanent jobs at higher levels.
Our Apprenticeship Scheme has been recognised nationally; we are the only local authority that has achieved Princess Royal Training Award.
What can we offer you as an apprentice?
Our diverse and vast range of services bring great opportunities in different fields. There are also clear career pathways available, and we are committed to supporting the personal development of our employees.
We would love you to be part of our future workforce and would do our best to make the apprenticeship journey the very best experience it can be for you.
Feature of an apprenticeship
An apprenticeship means doing a real job with quality training whilst gaining a qualification in the workplace. You'll earn a salary while you learn and be given allocated study time.
The features of an apprenticeship are:
- you'll be studying a nationally recognised qualification.
- you will receive a minimum of 12 months training, dependent on the qualification. This could be up to four years for a higher-level qualification.
- you will be working typically at least 37 hours per week.
- there will be a mix of on-the-job training and classroom learning, dependent on the qualification.
- around 20 per cent of your working hours will be spent on study towards your qualification.
What are we looking for?
Working in the public sector can be extremely rewarding and provide a real opportunity to serve our communities. Our staff need to be motivated, and passionate and share our core values:
- customer focus - putting the customer at the heart of everything we do
- care and respect - treating people as individuals and with courtesy, seeking to understand how others see things and valuing their contribution.
- innovative and can-do attitude - seizing opportunities to do things better and taking responsibility to see things through.
- honesty - being clear about what we are able to deliver and that we must live within our means.
- one team - one council working with partners and communities.
- valuing our staff - supporting and enabling them to perform at their best.
- valuing local democracy - strengthening community leadership and delivering what has been agreed.
Is an apprenticeship right for you?
To help you make that decision, here are some of the benefits you will experience:
- gaining valuable skills, experience and knowledge
- enhancing your employability, future job prospects and career opportunities
- receiving a salary whilst learning, avoiding significant debts which come from the traditional university route
- enhancing your social skills and confidence through working with others
- potentially using an apprenticeship as an alternative route to gaining qualifications needed as entry requirements to higher level qualification.
More information about apprenticeships
Apprenticeship levels
Intermediate - level two
An intermediate apprenticeship is equivalent to five good GCSE passes. Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ level two.
Advanced - level three
An advanced apprenticeship is equivalent to two A-level passes. Advanced apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ level three.
Higher - levels four to seven
Higher apprenticeships offer a work-based learning programme and lead to a nationally recognised qualification at one of the following:
- levels four and five are equivalent to a higher education certificate, higher education diploma or a foundation degree
- level six is equivalent to a degree.
- level seven is equivalent to a master’s degree!
Pay and benefits
The pay and benefits you can expect from an apprenticeship with us include:
- Highly competitive salary (we pay more than the National Apprenticeship Wage in your 1st year of apprenticeship)
- Generous Annual Leave Entitlement of 29 days (plus bank holidays)
- Discounts on travel, supermarkets, retail, hair and beauty, holidays, cinema, restaurants and many more
- Develop your career prospects.
- Avoid student debt and university fees.
- Gain a nationally recognised qualification.
- Receive training and practical hands-on work experience.
What to expect from an apprenticeship
The stages you will go through in the apprenticeship can be found below. These may vary dependent on the type of qualification studied
Stage 1 – Recruitment Process
The first step is to apply for an apprenticeship opportunity. If you are successful at the shortlisting and interview stages, you will be offered a position subject to satisfactory employment clearances.
Stage 2 – Meeting Your Training provider
Stage 3 – Work Based Learning
Stage 4 – Verifying Your Learning
Stage 5 – Certification
Further Steps
You've finished this qualification, but what next? Maybe you want to progress onto further qualifications and training? Advice, guidance and support will be available to help you plan your next steps.
