Four apprentices recruited at West Lindsey District Council

As National Apprenticeship Week gets underway, West Lindsey District Council is keen to show off its new recruits.
Luke Nelson and Holly Hansard. EMN-180603-161401001Luke Nelson and Holly Hansard. EMN-180603-161401001
Luke Nelson and Holly Hansard. EMN-180603-161401001

Four full time apprentices have signed up to work at the council in a number of departments; IT, customer services, business administration within the growth and regeneration and housing teams.

Luke Nelson, 19, is studying an apprenticeship with the Growth and Regeneration Team, and has been working at the council since January this year.

He said: “There are so many benefits to joining an apprenticeship scheme.

“You gain the qualifications whilst earning money and working in an environment where you want to be.”

Luke did not know which direction he wanted his career to take – although he had always managed to find employment.

He said: “My sister Becky suggested I explore apprentice opportunities to understand what was available.

“I loved the idea of working for the local council, which is currently doing a lot of exciting regeneration work in the district.”

As part of national apprenticeship week, Luke is urging others to follow in his footsteps.

He said: “If I could say one thing to new apprentices, I would say that apprenticeships are a really good opportunity, so you should do it.

“You learn new things and meet the best people. I’d like my apprenticeship with the council to lead to a job here in the projects and growth team, as I love working here and really want to stay.”

Holly Hansard. 17, is studying a Business Administration Role in the Home Choices Team and saw the opportunity on LinkedIn.

She said: “The best thing about working here at the council is gaining an insight into the challenging cases the Home Choices team deal with. It’s really great to see the positive outcomes the team produces for each household.

“Apprenticeships are a great way to learn and practice within an organisation you want to be a part of.

“I really hope it will give me the opportunity to widen my understanding and hopefully enable me to progress within the council.”

The council has invested in apprentices for a number of years, many of which have managed to secure full time employment afterwards.

Coun Reg Shore, member champion for young people and skills at West Lindsey District Council was delighted to see more apprentices recruited.

He said: “I am proud of the fact that West Lindsey District Council is leading the way in terms of recruiting apprentices.

“We are passionate about supporting the learning and development of individuals and this provide great opportunities.

“Our apprenticeship scheme gives local young people their first step on the career ladder. They gain experience and qualifications which help them to find permanent jobs.

“For the council, apprenticeships provide an opportunity to bring in new talent and support and develop them.

“It’s also great to know that many of the apprentices eventually take up jobs with the district council.”

More about National Apprenticeship Week 2018

• It is coordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service and is designed to celebrate apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

• It takes place from Monday (March 5) to Friday (March 9)

• The theme this year is ‘apprenticeships work’