[A]llerdale Borough Council has recruited its biggest cohort of apprentices so far. Five new apprentices have been employed by the Council, who will be seconded to its waste contractor FCC on its Street Scene team.
The apprentices, who started in June, will be studying towards a Level 2 qualification in Cleaning and Support Services Skills at Lakes College. They have already been set to work tidying up the streets of Allerdale, with one of their first tasks being the removal offensive graffiti in Flimby.
The apprentices join the Council’s four existing apprentices, who are studying towards a Level 3 in Business Administration across a number of departments, including finance, health & safety, planning and democratic services.
Charles Holmes, Head of Community Services at Allerdale Borough Council, said: “The Council is committed to providing training opportunities for young people in Allerdale, which also ties into our priority of improving skills and education to residents in the borough. We are delighted to have five apprentices on board as part of our community services team, and I am sure they will do a fantastic job of working to make Allerdale a great place to live.”
Kristian Dales, FCC Environment Regional Director for the North, said “FCC Environment is delighted to be working with our Partner Allerdale Borough Council to deliver this added value service which will enhance the Borough and provide excellent opportunities for the apprentices to gain vital skills in the workplace.”
Scott Johnston, one of the apprentices, commented: “The apprenticeship appealed to me as it was a really good opportunity, as it gives us the chance to learn while in full-time employment.”
Allerdale Borough Council has seen previous success with its previous apprentices, having offered them permanent employment, some of whom are still working at the Council to this day, and others who have moved on to global companies. The Council also offers work experience opportunities for young people, including the recent Dream Placement scheme.