Council marks National Apprenticeship Week 2022

Bridgend County Borough Council is celebrating the valuable contribution of its apprentices ahead of National Apprenticeship Week which runs between February 7-13 2022.

The local authority currently has 27 apprentices who work across a variety of departments including business support, marketing, social care and procurement.

Since the apprenticeship programme was launched in 2013, the council has successfully supported 116 apprentices – many of whom have since gone on to gain employment with the local authority.

Marketing apprentice Holly Davies said: “Being an apprentice for Bridgend County Borough Council has opened up many opportunities for me to progress my career path and build up my skills while earning.

“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. It’s one of the best decisions I have ever made.”

Lauren Lovelock became the council’s first management trainee when she joined the business management team in 2020.

She said: “One thing I really enjoy about the apprenticeship is the opportunity to learn new management skills and knowledge. 

“It has given me the confidence and reassurance that I need to pursue a management career within the council.

“I know that what I have learnt during the apprenticeship will be invaluable to my future career.”

Social care apprentice Aimie Shanahan, who covers both domiciliary and residential care, said: “This role has been an excellent opportunity for me to be able to further educate myself and gain the necessary qualification and skills, while still earning and providing financial support for my family.”

Laura Ashton, a procurement apprentice, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as an apprentice with the local authority.

“I have gained both a qualification and experience to assist in my future career within procurement.”

National Apprenticeship Week is a week-long celebration of apprenticeships, and the value they bring to employers and learners in Wales.

Apprentices allow us as a local authority to recruit new talent who are hungry to learn and enable individuals to develop professional skills and gain valuable experience while earning a wage and working towards an accredited qualification.

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.

Deputy Leader Hywel Williams

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.