Young people across Nottingham are getting a step on the career ladder thanks to Nottingham City Council’s commitment to Apprenticeships.

The City Council is proud to be a regional leader by increasing its intake of Apprenticeships in the last few years and this month, 50 new apprentices joined the organisation in a variety of different roles.

An event took place today at Loxley House, Station Street, Nottingham, NG2 3NG to welcome the new apprentices to the Council.

The event follows the success of National Apprenticeship Week; showcasing apprentices, employers and college / learning providers across the country demonstrating the real value and worth of Apprenticeships.

The Apprenticeship Programme will comprise of:

  • One day college release on a regular basis and regular assessed visits to form the formal Apprenticeship Framework training.
  • An in-house development, coaching and mentoring programme supporting apprentices to develop their soft skills and ensure mandatory safeguarding training is covered.
  • Regular catch-up and review sessions with the apprentices to ensure they are on-track to complete their Apprenticeship within the time allocated and as well as providing buddy and mentoring support to address social needs and money management.

Outside the classroom, the new apprentices will be working alongside colleagues ensuring the Council provides a first class service to citizens.

Daisy Sawford – 16, who started her first full-time job with the Council this week. Daisy said “I’m so excited to start working for the Council – they’ve done so much for me as a citizen already and I can’t wait to give something back to my home city. I’m really nervous about my first day in work but I will try my best to always work hard and make everyone proud.”

Nottingham City Council recognises the value of young people in supporting their services and it has been working to not only increase the number of Apprenticeship vacancies for 2014/15, but to also target the recruitment of 16-24 year olds who live within the city’s boundaries.

The Council’s Apprenticeships target the priority groups of young people who are aged 16-24, are from Black and Minority Ethnic communities, are Disabled, are Children in Care or Young Offenders who may not otherwise be adequately supported to realise their potential, break the cycle of unemployment or contribute to the successful operation of the organisation.

The Council is working hard to provide a career pathway for apprentices and currently retain 75% within the workforce after their Apprenticeship has finished. Aiden Shannon started with the Council in 2013 as an apprentice, 2 years later he is now a Resourcing & Reward Co-ordinator. Aiden said “Without a shadow of a doubt, the Apprenticeship changed my life. If it wasn’t for the chance I got in 2013, I know I wouldn’t be where I am now. The Council have supported me beyond my wildest dreams and I love getting out of bed every day and giving a little something back to my amazing city!”

The Council continues its commitments to the Apprenticeship agenda and has worked with My Jobs Place, Futures and New College Nottingham to offer these Apprenticeship opportunities to Nottingham citizens.

Councillor Graham Chapman, Portfolio Holder for Resources & Neighbourhood Regeneration at Nottingham City Council, said: “It is a top priority of the council to get local people into work. These young people will have the chance to learn new skills and earn a decent wage and contribute to the community. We have seen huge success in the last couple of years which has led to the Council being one of National Apprenticeship Service’s’ Top 100 employers”.