Exciting new apprenticeship opportunities being developed to help build Carmarthenshire council’s workforce

CARMARTHENSHIRE County Council has committed to developing apprenticeship opportunities to offer people a range of new routes into employment.

As one of the county’s largest employers, the council recruits for a wide variety of roles to support frontline services for residents and businesses.

During National Apprenticeship Week (February 7-13), the council has confirmed that apprenticeships will continue to play a large part in building its future workforce.

A range of exciting opportunities are being developed and will be announced in the near future – they will include apprenticeships specifically developed to support the social care workforce.

Currently, over 120 apprentices are working with Carmarthenshire County Council, supporting the authority in a variety of roles whilst progressing their career.

Apprenticeships are a great opportunity for people to develop practical skills and get ready for the world of work.

The programmes provide a mix of workplace and academic modules leading to a nationally recognised qualification.

Many apprentices go on to full-time employment with their apprenticeship employer or move on to the next stage of their career with another employer.

As well as traditional apprenticeships, the council has also branched out to provide degree apprenticeships.

Julian Milligan, a Senior Applications Developer in the council’s IT department, is currently in his third year of a four-year part-time degree apprenticeship, working towards a BSc in software engineering.

He said: “Since starting the digital degree apprenticeship my confidence in my day-to-day role has improved greatly. The lectures have helped with current projects I’m work on and help me look at things from a different way.

“Before starting the apprenticeship, everything was self-taught so doing the degree has shown me best practice and new ways to program and do things. I would highly recommend the digital degree apprenticeship to anyone looking to improve their skills or needs to gain that extra confidence in the work environment.”

Cllr Philip Hughes, Cabinet Member with responsibility for the council’s human resources and training, said: “As a council we are completely committed to our long-running apprenticeship programme. Apprenticeships offer a unique route into employment, giving people an opportunity to earn while they learn, with the added benefit of working alongside experienced colleagues.

“Apprenticeships are very much part of our plans for our future workforce. We’re currently developing exciting opportunities in a range of roles, including care, which we are looking forward to sharing in the near future.

“Anyone thinking about employment should most definitely consider the difference they could make by joining our team to provide vital services to the people of Carmarthenshire, and an apprenticeship might be the perfect opportunity.”

More information about the council’s apprenticeship programme, details of new opportunities and future in-takes, can be found at www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/jobs