A council has started to practice what it has been preaching to businesses about taking on young apprentices.
Some 15 young people have been hired by Dacorum Borough Council as part of its commitment to supporting young people into employment.
Earlier this year, the council’s all-powerful cabinet of councillors welcomed the introduction of an apprenticeships scheme. Through the scheme, apprentices will receive a mixture of on-the-job training and the opportunity to work towards nationally recognised qualifications.
Rose Campbell, apprentice in the regeneration team, said, “At the end of this I will gain a nationally recognised qualification and experience of working full time in a professional organisation.
“I’m now a working mum gaining further education.”
The council has worked with Job Centre Plus and West Herts College to recruit registered unemployed young people on 12 month fixed term contracts.
The scheme is also benefitting the local voluntary sector. Of the 15 apprentices, one is based at the Business Advice Line and a further three are hosted by local voluntary organisations.