Paws for thought and consider an apprenticeship
Mon 6th March 2017
To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, from Monday, 6 to Friday, 10 March, East Riding of Yorkshire Council is promoting the important contribution its apprentices are making and is encouraging other organisations to follow suit and create apprenticeship opportunities.
The authority currently employs 37 apprentices across a range of services and in schools. One of those is Josh Stubbs, an apprentice dog warden/pest control officer, currently training with the council, having started a 15-month apprenticeship in October 2016.
As part of his training, Josh is undertaking pest control treatments on both business and domestic premises for a range of pests, including rats, mice, moles, wasps, cockroaches, fleas, ants and bedbugs, as well as investigating complaints about noise from barking dogs, dangerous dog incidents, dog fouling enforcement and dealing with stray dogs.
Josh has completed his Royal Society of Public Health Pest Control Certificate and is awaiting the results of his exam, which will qualify him to use pesticides professionally. He is also undertaking a Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration.
“Doing an apprenticeship is a great opportunity to gain new skills and develop knowledge. I’d never really considered an apprenticeship, after leaving school some years ago, but I’m glad that I made the decision to apply for this one,” said Josh.
“The job itself is so varied from day-to-day, I don’t think you can beat learning on the job in this way and the business apprenticeship is teaching me things that are becoming more and more relevant nowadays in the world of work.
“Anyone thinking about doing an apprenticeship, I would urge them to apply. That’s what I did and, in terms of work, it’s been the best decision I’ve made.”
In the past three years, 86 apprentices have worked for the council with 50 of them going on to secure a position within the council upon completion of their studies.
Councillor John Barrett, cabinet portfolio holder for council corporate services and performance, said: “Apprenticeships provide hands-on experience as well as the chance to learn new skills, develop knowledge and gain the qualifications needed for a chosen career.
“There is currently a national drive to reform apprenticeships to provide the opportunity for people of all ages to undertake qualifications, funded by a new training levy. In addition to the traditional level 2 and 3 qualifications, people may also be able to undertake higher level qualifications.
“Whilst further details and guidance on the apprenticeship reforms is being finalised, the council continues to encourage its service areas and schools, internally, and businesses and other organisations, externally, to consider offering apprenticeship opportunities.”
For further information about apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk
