A new government campaign which is calling on young people to start their career by choosing an apprenticeship, is highlighting how apprenticeships and traineeships enable candidates to get top-rate qualifications as a real route into a chosen career.
The new ‘Get in Go Far’ campaign illustrates to employers and those considering options when leaving school or higher education that work-based routes into employment are no longer ‘second best’ to going to university. Whether you’re an employer or school leaver – find out more information about apprentices and this campaign here www.getingofar.gov.uk/
Allan Bennett, Frome Town Council’s former Planning & Regeneration Apprentice said “For me, an apprenticeship at the Town Council was the ideal entrance into the world of work. I didn’t have a degree but being an apprentice allowed me to study at the same time as gaining some really valuable experience. The Council’s flexibility enabled me to get involved in a wide range of projects; helping me improve my office and customer skills and giving me much more confidence in my own ability.”
He continues, “I am very grateful to the Town Council for their mentoring and support both during my apprenticeship and when applying for my current job at Mendip District Council. My experience gained at FTC was a really important part of my application and a great resource at interview. My apprenticeship has given me a great start to my career and I hope the Town Council can continue to offer apprenticeships so that other young people can benefit as I have.”
Laura Parry did a summer internship with FTC last year. She said “I undertook a summer placement with FTC while finishing my Master’s degree. It was the perfect way to get a real insight into sustainability projects; working with highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic council officers on cutting edge projects like the UK ‘s first Share Shop. I immediately felt welcome in the team and was thrilled to be offered a permanent role at the end of the summer. Thanks to this placement, I was able to gain the practical experience necessary to turn my interest in sustainability into an achievable career path. I am now pursuing this goal further as a Zero Emissions Network Officer at Islington Council.”
In Frome, there is the Next Steps Hub at Frome College, which supports students in preparing for the next stage of their careers. This includes work around skills building, career planning, enterprise and employability. FTC supports this work but especially the work of the Apprenticeship Project Coordinator, Terry Bishop who advises local employers that wish to take on an apprentice. For more information on this project please see https://www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/apprenticeship-opportunities/
If you are able to volunteer or would like to find out more information about the work of the Next Steps Hub, please email Careers@FromeCollege.org or follow @FromeNextSteps on Twitter.
