Friday, October 25, 2013

County honoured for its apprenticeship scheme

Denbighshire County Council has had its efforts to provide apprenticeships to young people across the county recognised at a prestigious national award ceremony.

The council was shortlisted as a finalist in the Apprenticeship Employer of the Year Award  (Large Employer category) at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2013 ceremony in Newport.  

Denbighshire was one of only two public sector organisations to be shortlisted - all the other shortlisted organisations were from the private sector.

Over the past five years the council has recruited 131 apprentices and currently has 38 of them working in a range of environments, including welding, business administration, housing, catering, creative digital media and information communication technology.

Sally Ellis, Corporate Director -Modernisation and Well-being, said: "The Corporate Apprenticeship scheme was introduced in 2011 as one of the ways to address concerns of the low number of employees aged 16-24. It was becoming increasingly apparent to the Council that there would be significant problems in the future with an ageing workforce reaching the retirement age.

"The council has also been keen to offer opportunities to young people from the local communities.

"This scheme has allowed apprentices to complete a qualification in their chosen field during their apprenticeship. This has provided a wide range of experiences for apprentices, and plenty of training and mentoring opportunities.  

"Many of our apprentices have gone on to develop their careers and we feel this kind of programme is essential as a step on the career ladder and getting people valuable work experience that will be recognised by future employers."

To find out more about becoming an apprentice, visit: www.denbighshire.gov.uk 

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