Council takes on more apprentices

Malvern Hills District Council has welcomed two new recruits to its ranks– Harry Dewson and Katie Evans have joined under the council’s apprenticeship scheme. Now in its second year, the scheme was initially set up to support the community, address a skills shortage and respond to national Apprenticeships campaigns.

Run in partnership with the South Worcestershire College, which formally employs the apprentices, the scheme provides a year long opportunity to gain first hand work experience and work towards achieving an NVQ in Business and Administration. It has proven to be a successful relationship as the 2010 – 11 apprentices have both gone on to finds jobs following their year with the council.

The apprentices will be predominantly based in the planning department of the council and will help with the day to day running of the service. In return, they will receive £95 a week and support from both the council and the college to boost and enhance their CV.

Councillor Barbara Williams, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development at the council is delighted that the organisation has been able to help young people develop their careers: “The district currently has 41,600 residents of working age living in the area. 2.4 per cent of them are claiming jobseekers allowance (JSA) and of those, 30.8 per cent are aged between 18 and 24. Supporting young people to get their foot on the job ladder and gain invaluable experience, is something the council is very proud of.”

She continued “I sincerely hope it will inspire other local organisations to consider taking on an apprentice. Not only does it reap huge rewards for the young individuals involved, but we have also enjoyed having them on board.                        Harry Dewson & Katie Evans

I wish our latest recruits all the best for their time here.”