Launch Of Higher Apprenticeships Programme at Sandwell Council

Sandwell Council has launched a higher apprenticeship programme to attract ambitious and bright young people who plan a career in local government.

The Higher Apprenticeship Programme will allow participants to complete an apprenticeship whilst studying for a recognised and accredited qualification.

The council has advertised the positions and successful applicants will join the council’s Resources Directorate which includes finance, HR, legal services, ICT and procurement.

After the two-year programme, the participants could have the option to progress to further qualifications such as a degree apprenticeship or to apply for a full-time position with the council.

The format of the programme offers students a path to higher education whilst also receiving a salary and other employee benefits.

Councillor Steve Trow, cabinet member for core services, said: “This is an exciting scheme that will give ambitious people the opportunity to forge careers in local government.

“I am particularly keen on this programme because it enables the council to reach a growing talent pool of students from non-traditional educational backgrounds

“They will have different aspirations about how to begin their careers and this scheme can help them to achieve their goals.”

“These apprenticeships are a win-win opportunity for the council and the local economy by improving the skills of the workforce and addressing future skills gaps.”

Councilor Trow said the programme was a key part of the council’s long term plan to ensure that its workforce has the skills it needs to succeed.

Under recent government reforms to apprenticeships, Sandwell Council has to pay an apprenticeship levy and the council supports the view that the levy offers a valuable opportunity to help achieve its 2030 vision of Sandwell being a community with high aspirations and its workforce and young people being skilled and talented.

For more information and application advice link to www.sandwell.gov.uk/higher2017

 

PIC: Cabinet member for core council services Councillor Steve Trow, Councillor Jackie Taylor with current and former council apprentices Dionne Watkiss, Oliver Morris, Morgan Southall and Clare Ollis, launching the new higher apprenticeships scheme.