Reading Council apprenticeships kickstart careers whilst boosting services across the Borough

18 PEOPLE took up a dedicated apprenticeship scheme with Reading Council in 2023, providing them with practical skills and qualifications whilst strengthening services for residents.

National Apprenticeship Week 2024 runs from 5 – 11 February, and this year’s theme is ‘Skills for Life’.

Reading’s apprenticeship scheme has so far seen the Council take on over 50 new apprentice employees and provide development opportunities for more than 200 existing staff using apprenticeship standards since 2017.

Working with over 50 further education providers, including Reading College, Henley College, Reading University, and New Directions College, the Council can offer a vast array of apprenticeship opportunities, from intermediate to degree level, and, depending on the level of qualification and profession chosen, they could last from 12 months to 5 years.

An apprenticeship is a full-time work-based learning opportunity that combines practical on-the-job training with classroom learning, allowing people to study towards a nationally recognised qualification, whilst gaining valuable work experience.

Through the Apprenticeship Levy, introduced in 2017, the Council can fund learning and development opportunities, provide hands-on experience for apprentices, and invest in the future workforce while also addressing current and future skills needs.

Apprenticeships are available in a wide variety of Council service areas, including legal, social care, environmental health, finance and accounting, regulatory services, building control, early years, and more. The only requirements for applicants are that they are over 16 years of age, and not currently in full-time education or work. 

Jackie Yates, Chief Executive of Reading Borough Council, said:

“Reading Council is committed to developing its workforce for the future and  I’m delighted we can provide such valuable opportunities for anyone wanting to kick-start their career, or looking for a change of direction in the public sector.

“I’d strongly encourage all employers in Reading to consider whether they too could help foster growth within our community by hiring an apprentice. Apprenticeships are accessible to anyone of any age and at any stage of life. They are a great way to grow talent within your workforce and develop motivated, skilled and qualified members of staff.

Cllr Liz Terry, Lead Councillor for Corporate Services and Resources, said:

“National Apprenticeship Week is a valuable opportunity for the education and skills sector to celebrate the achievements of apprentices around the country, as well as the brilliant achievements closer to home of our Council apprentices at all levels, and all their hard work across many council service areas.

“We are lucky to have benefited from the skills and expertise developed by our apprentices. Employers can find out more about what training funding and support is available for their organisation at: www.gov.uk/employing-an-apprentice”

Apprenticeship vacancies at Reading Borough Council are advertised throughout the year. Anyone interested in current vacancies is encouraged to check the dedicated webpage: https://www.reading.gov.uk/work-for-the-council/work-experience-and-apprenticeships/apprenticeships/. 

ENDS