Council celebrates the achievements of apprentices

Carmarthenshire County Council has celebrated the achievements of more than 28 apprentices.

Cllr Mair Stephens, Executive Board Member with responsibility for Human Resources, Efficiency and Collaboration, paid tribute to the council’s apprentices, acknowledging their efforts to learn and integrate into the working environment.

The council employs more than 35 apprentices, in a range of placements from IT, Business Administration, Park Rangers, Mechanical Engineers and Youth Workers.

Officers support apprentices to learn about the various responsibilities of the council, placing them within departments where they can get involved and learn from experienced staff. Apprentices gain QCF qualifications, and for many this can lead to full-time employment.

Cllr Stephens noted that apprenticeships offered a unique opportunity to advance in the world of work.

“It’s being involved behind the scenes, and learning from day to day experiences,” she said.

“I’d like, on behalf of the Authority, to thank you for becoming part of us, even for a short time. We hope that these apprenticeships will give you the experience to start your careers with flying colours, as have many of your predecessors who have been successful in gaining positions with the Authority and out in the wider world.

“We are, of course, also very proud of the achievements of other apprentices, including those that are working towards careers in the construction industry with CCTAL (Carmarthenshire Construction Training Association Ltd).”

During the celebration event Rhianydd Herdman spoke of her experiences as an apprentice with the council’s Occupational Health Unit.

She said: “My apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to develop both personally and professionally. It’s helped me learn new skills and hopefully gain a career within the council.”