Congratulations to council apprentices on their success
Posted on Friday 7th July 2017
Ten apprentices who have completed formal qualifications with Newport City Council have been congratulated on their success by the Leader Councillor Debbie Wilcox.
The youngsters were chosen from more than 1,000 applicants who applied to sign up to the Apprenticeships in September last year.
Since then they have been in employed positions within the council and given the opportunity to gain a number of recognised qualifications and essential skills while gaining work experience and earning a wage. Nine of the youngsters have gained a Business Admin Level 2 qualification and one has gained an AAT level 2 qualification.
Councillor Wilcox, said: “Firstly, I would like to congratulate the youngsters for completing their formal qualifications, I know it is not easy to combine studying for a qualification with full time work but the youngsters have juggled their work and learning and have completed this qualification in just eight months rather than the usual 12 month period.
“The apprentices have been an exceptional group of young people and not only have they learned from us but we have learned from them. They have developed an understanding and experience of the work place, gained a formal qualification and learned life skills such as the importance of time keeping, working with others and communication.
“The value of apprentices cannot be overestimated. As an organisation we have benefited from their enthusiasm and dedication and it is important that as a large employer we create opportunities for young people. If we don’t create these opportunities and develop youngsters’ and experience, then our society and economy will falter and fail.
“I wish the youngsters the best of luck for the next steps they will take.”
The training aspect of the scheme was provided by ACT. The council has also offered additional training such as IT Training, an introduction to equalities, information security through to volunteering day at the Wetlands RSPB site
Carley Dowding, 22, was based with the education team and commented: “Working within the council has been an amazing experience. I’ve had so much support and encouragement. I have been incredibly lucky to have gained a position with the council post apprenticeship and I am so excited to continue my journey.
“This apprenticeship for me was a change of direction; it’s allowed me to get into a job that I otherwise wouldn’t have got. I’ve gained a qualification and employment and I would really recommend it to anybody, whatever age, whatever skills you currently have.”
Newport City Council will be taking on more apprentices throughout the summer and the autumn.