WORCESTERSHIRE County Council is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) by highlighting how the scheme has benefited the authority.
NAW began on Monday and runs until Sunday, February 12, to champion how apprenticeships are an essential pathway into employment for young people, those returning to work and others seeking a change in career.
Programmes are also a great way of upskilling existing employees.
Last year, almost 4,000 apprenticeships were started in Worcestershire with half of those being undertaken by people aged under 24.
The county sees, on average, around five per cent of all school leavers start an apprenticeship, making them a key education and employment route.
Apprenticeships provide a vital opportunity for all county employees to upskill, regardless of age.
Many Worcestershire businesses are seeing apprenticeships as a vital tool to plan how they will fill roles in the future by introducing and growing talent within their organisations.
Worcestershire County Council as an employer, currently offers apprenticeships at intermediary, advanced and higher levels in a variety of roles, including customer service, business administration, HR delivery, finance and accounting, social care, civil engineering, IT and digital development and more.
Coun Marc Bayliss, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy Infrastructure and Skills, said the council was proud to support apprenticeships and was a key part of how the authority planned for the future.
“This year, across our council services, we are proud to say there are 268 colleagues currently participating in an apprenticeship with us, a 26 per cent increase on last year.
“It sees also an increasing number of new apprentices joining the council, who we hope will stay with us upon completion or take their new skills out into the marketplace and find employment here within the county.”
Current staff are also engaged in apprenticeships to increase their knowledge and improve effectiveness.
The county council is celebrating NAW, along with its partners including the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (WLEP), Careers Worcestershire and Worcestershire Apprenticeships.
Gary Woodman, WLEP chief executive, said: “Apprenticeships offer a great pathway to develop your career at whatever age and it is vital that we get more people and employers embracing the option.
• Visit worcsapprenticeships.org.uk for more on apprenticeship vacancies in Worcestershire and details on how to go about applying for one.
Businesses considering offering apprenticeships can also find out all they need to know.
