Seven new business and administration apprenticeships have been launched by Wealden District Council. The year-long apprenticeships will offer people the chance to gain a business administration qualification while working for the Council.

The apprenticeships are run in partnership with Sussex Skills Solutions, the training and apprenticeship arm of East Sussex College. Apprentices are taught core skills in business administration and are given the opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills in specific areas of Local Government. For example, audit and investigations, legal and compliance, revenue and benefits, and waste management. The Council also offers a travel allowance of up to £2,000 to help the apprentice cover the cost of getting to work alongside other incentives.

Applications for one of the seven positions can be made online until Friday 1st November 2019: www.wealden.gov.uk

An assessment will take place day on Wednesday 20th November with interviews week commencing Monday 2nd December. Successful applicants will start their apprenticeships in March 2020.

Cllr Roy Galley, Portfolio Holder for Human Resources at, Wealden District Council said: “The modern apprenticeship offers a real head-start when it comes to finding employment. On the job apprenticeships provide people of all ages with an array of key skills as well as the opportunity to earn a wage.

“The scheme also offers free training courses our apprentices can complete including workshops which help to increase their confidence and chances of getting a job. We’re delighted to be working alongside East Sussex College once again to provide what will be the fifth apprenticeship scheme at Wealden.”

The successful partnership between Wealden District Council and Sussex Skills Solutions has been running since 2014. In that time the scheme has produced a number of well-qualified employees. Many have gone on to secure full-time roles within the Council and other organisations in East Sussex.

Sylwia Rosiak completed her Business Administration apprenticeship and was offered a full-time role within the Council’s Housing department. She said: “The Council provided an amazing working opportunity in a friendly environment. The experience I gained during my apprenticeship developed my skills in customer service, administration and working under pressure. I was also able to attend a variety of training courses, all leading to a permanent job with Wealden District Council.”

Fire It Up is a rebranded campaign from the Government to encourage more people to start an apprenticeship. With more high profile events like the East Sussex Apprenticeships Graduation, held in Eastbourne, there has never been a better time to start an apprenticeship.

For more information on the Wealden Apprenticeship Scheme, please contact Clare Buckle: Clare.Buckle@wealden.gov.uk

The seven positions are based at the Council’s offices in Hailsham and will be in the following departments:

1, Audit and Investigations

2, Building Control

3, Car Park and Facilities

4, Customer Contact

5, Legal and Compliance

6, Revenue and Benefits

7, Waste Management