South Ribble Borough Council is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week and working with local colleges to deliver a programme designed to invest in skills.

Ten hard working youngsters have started their journey into the world of work with South Ribble Borough Council with another four set to join them this summer.

The apprentices have been given the chance to earn whilst they learn through a two-year structured training programme, working towards a qualification through Runshaw, Myerscough and Bolton colleges.

This week, the apprentices are enjoying their third rotation placement, learning as they work and supporting different teams within the organisation. Feedback on the apprentices is excellent and the support of the council is recognised by the colleges which say the apprentices performance ‘demonstrates the support that the workplace are giving the candidate’

As an employer, the council is committed to developing a skilled, motivated and suitably qualified workforce. The apprenticeship programme is an ideal solution because it helps attract new talent, re-skill existing staff and reduce training and recruitment costs.

Business administration apprentice Jack, 18, from Leyland, spent his first three months with the Neighbourhoods admin team at the council’s Moss Side depot.

He said: “When I first arrived at the council I was a bundle of nerves and didn’t really know what to expect or what I would be doing, but after settling in and finding my way round I’m absolutely loving it.

“So far I’ve done a wide range of interesting things such as attending meetings with the police, going out on waste collections and attending a community payback scheme. I can’t wait to see what else is in store over the next two years.”

Leader of South Ribble Borough Council, Councillor Margaret Smith said: “We are committed to developing skills in the borough and to maintaining and building the skills capacity in our own workforce in South Ribble.

“Our apprenticeship programme is an investment for the future, which will provide the skills we need to deliver services as well as producing a return on our investment.”

You can follow the apprentices’ stories this week on @southribblebc. To find out more about how apprentices could benefit your business, contact the Economic Development Team on 01772 625567, email econdevt@southribble.gov.uk or visit www.businessinsouthribble.com