Apprenticeships deliver for council

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2014, East Riding of Yorkshire Council is keen to highlight its commitment to developing its workforce and recognising the need to have appropriate routes into employment.

Apprenticeships have been identified as one of these routes and, at a time when the number of young people unemployed is high, it is important to highlight the job opportunities available to them.

The council plays an important role in the creation of apprenticeship opportunities, both within its own workforce and with organisations across the East Riding, and employs 32 apprentices across a range of service areas and in local primary and secondary schools.

These apprentices undertake a range of apprenticeship qualifications, from health and social care, business administration and customer service to supporting teaching and learning in schools, cleaning and environmental services, arboriculture and sign making.

Adam Lyons, an apprentice caretaker at Beverley Minster Primary School, said: “I was looking at the council’s recruitment site and spotted the apprenticeship vacancy. I used to be a pupil there so I knew the site well. It is also very close to where I live so a job there sounded perfect. I applied online and was invited for interview, this included answering questions and having a tour of the site with the school caretaker. I must have made the right impression because they offered me the job.

“I assist with the opening and locking up of the school and if there are any repairs required, I can use my joinery skills to mend tables, chairs and doors. I am on hand to help with moving furniture, fixing lights and any general DIY tasks. I am also quite handy with a paintbrush and can help sort out any plumbing issues.”

Kate Girking, school business manager at Beverley Minster Primary School, said: “We were keen to offer somebody a training opportunity and establishing an apprentice post was the best solution. We support Adam in learning about the workplace and what is expected of him and, in turn, we have someone on site that is developing their skills and can help us complete tasks that might not have been done so readily in the past.”

For further information about apprenticeships at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, visit www.eastriding.gov.uk/apprenticeships.