Council marks Apprenticeship Week 2021

Bridgend County Borough Council is celebrating the valuable contribution of its apprentices ahead of Apprenticeship Week Wales, which runs from 8-14 February 2021.

The council currently has 16 apprentices who work across a variety of departments including finance, social care learning and development, highways, building control, business administration and social care.

Since it set up its apprenticeship programme in 2013, the council has successfully supported 93 apprentices, many of whom have since gone on gain employment with the local authority.

Holly Brooks, who has joined the council as a marketing apprentice, said: “Being an apprentice for the council has meant that I can learn on the job and develop my existing skills on a professional level.

“The council has been so welcoming and supportive since I joined and I could not ask for a more wonderful team of people to work with while studying for my apprenticeship. I would highly recommend apprenticeships to anyone as they’re a brilliant way to expand on your skills while gaining experience in a role.”

Deputy Leader Hywel Williams said: “Apprenticeships allow individuals the opportunity to develop professional skills and gain valuable experience while earning a wage and working towards an accredited qualification.

“The council has, over time, been increasing the recruitment of apprentices across service areas and this has been enhanced recently by the investment of a corporately-funded apprenticeship programme which meant a further 12 apprenticeships being created last year.

“We are committed to supporting people of all ages to develop their skills by creating apprenticeship opportunities wherever possible and developing our workforce for the future.

“I would like to thank all of our apprentices for their hard work, particularly during the difficult circumstances of the past year, and wish them the best of luck with their careers.”

Apprenticeship Week is an annual celebration of apprenticeships, and the value they bring to employers and learners across Wales.

Any future apprenticeship opportunities with the local authority will be posted on Bridgend County Borough Council’s job search webpage.

For further information and advice about apprenticeships, visit the Careers Wales website or call 0800 100 900.