Isle youngsters set to benefit as council widens its apprenticeship opportunities

Grow Your Own will address employment and skills issues within key sectors and target groups across North Lincolnshire.

The new programme will include:

Higher Apprenticeships (HAs) – the best combination of on the job training and employees studying for a higher level qualification. This will help provide qualified and motivated employees to fill professional posts that the council has experienced difficulties in recruiting.

Level 2 apprenticeships – continuation of the current programme.

Traineeships – work experience opportunities for young people who may not yet be ready to or able to undertake an apprenticeship. Although unpaid, trainees can access a supported learning package to complement the work experience element of the scheme.

Supported internships – study programme aimed at young people between 16 and 24 who have a statement of special educational needs, a Learning Difficulty Assessment, or an EHC plan who want to move into employment and need extra support to do so. These would be delivered through John Leggott College and their supported internship programme with the council offering appropriate placements.

So far, North Lincolnshire Council has taken on over 100 apprentices to undertake their NVQ Level 2 apprenticeship. The programme has an 86 per cent success rate of apprentices going into work with either the council or external companies – both full-time and part-time, and going on to a Level 3 apprenticeship.

Laura Rowbotham, who started as an apprentice and has now got a full-time job with the council, talks about her experience: “I was successful in obtaining an apprenticeship with the council in September 2013 as a Young Persons Mentor with the Information Advice and Guidance (IAG) team. I developed a variety of skills whilst on my apprenticeship in this team, such as communication, as well completing an NVQ Level 2. I moved on from this to an opportunity still with the council in September 2014 as the Youth Ambassador of the Springboard Project based in the planning and regeneration team. I am still working in the same team, but now I am overseeing the council’s apprenticeship scheme. I believe I couldn’t have successfully moved into this role without being an apprentice myself.”

The next Level 2 apprenticeship opportunities with the council are now available to apply for. They are:

Action Station Employment Support Assistant

Apprentice Electrician

Apprentice Exchequer Assistant

Apprentice: Grounds maintenance

Apprentice Highway Engineer

Apprentice: Home Assistance

Apprentice: Housing Support

Apprentice Licensing Assistant

Apply for the apprenticeship vacancies on the council’s website: Click here

The apprenticeships will start in September 2015. The deadline for applications is August 7, 2015.

Councillor Liz Redfern (pictured, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We have decided to expand the apprenticeship programme so that even more people can access training and career opportunities within the council. The Grow Your Own apprenticeship programme will support many more people to acquire the skills and education they need to move into employment.

“It is great to hear about Laura’s success - from apprentice to apprentice mentor – this is a great achievement. We have lots of other success stories from our apprenticeship programme, which shows that the programme provides real opportunities.

“We are now looking for the next round of apprentices to start at the council in September. If you would like a fantastic opportunity to get a NVQ Level 2 apprenticeship whilst working in a professional environment - the apprenticeship programme is for you. Take a look at the job pages on our website and apply online.”