COUNCIL bosses have renewed their pledge to create training opportunities for young people as a successful apprenticeship campaign draws to a close.
You’re Hired East Sussex was launched by the county council in partnership with other authorities, training providers and employment services, with the aim of creating 500 apprenticeships over five months.
The campaign target had been smashed with weeks to spare, and as the county council announced it would be creating 10 apprenticeship posts from September as part of a new internal Apprenticeship Programme.
“As a council, we are committed to encouraging and supporting economic growth and an important part of this is ensure there are ample opportunities in the county for our young people,” said Councillor Rupert Simmons, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for economy.
“Over the past six years we have offered more than 250 apprentices an opportunity to gain experience working for the county council and in our schools, and we are developing an exciting supported programme to offer young people more opportunities with us.”
As part of the new apprenticeship programme, East Sussex residents aged between 16 and 24 will have the opportunity to train in different departments across the county council while receiving formal training and qualifications.
A wide variety of apprenticeship roles will be available, including roles in business admin, customer service, ICT, finance, adult social care and others. There will also be opportunities available in county schools.
The programme will operate on a rolling basis, with the first cohort recruited in September, followed by other groups of 10.
Cllr Simmons said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people of all backgrounds to get on-the-job training, experience in a work environment, as well formal and relevant qualifications that will help them as they embark on their career.”
As part of the application process for the apprenticeships, young people will get the opportunity to take part in a three-day work readiness programme, and some will also undertake a short work experience placement at the county council.
Those who are successful will then be offered an intermediate or advanced level apprenticeship, while others will be referred to employment and training agencies for support. To ensure that they have every chance of success, new apprentices will be supported by peer mentors and adult mentors, as well as by their managers.
Anyone interested in applying for an apprenticeship at East Sussex County Council or finding out more information, can contact Rebecca Parsons on Rebecca.Parsons@eastsussex.gov.uk or call 01323 463728.
Alternatively visit new.eastsussex.gov.uk/jobs/workingateastsussexcountycouncil/apprenticeships
You’re Hired was launched during National Apprenticeship Week. It is led by East Sussex County Council in partnership with the National Apprenticeship Service, Apprenticeships in Sussex, the Federation of Small Businesses, The Alliance of Chambers in East Sussex, the county’s district and borough councils, the Youth Employability Service, Eastbourne Jobs Hub, and 13 education and training providers.
The campaign will end in September with a closing ceremony to celebrate the pledges that have been made.