Would you like to earn while you learn? If so an apprenticeship could be for you.
An apprenticeship could offer you the opportunity to start your career, change direction or develop your skills. A wide range of apprenticeships are on offer and hundreds of people across Dorset have already benefitted.
Rebecca Buck is Dorset Council’s first Apprentice Solicitor. She said: “I started as a Legal Support Assistant and was subsequently promoted, but then my career progression stopped, as I wasn’t legally qualified.
“As a mother of two children, aged seven and four, I had ruled out any of the traditional legal educational routes as I couldn’t see how I could juggle work, family life and independent study.
“On top of the time commitment there was also the major issue of cost. My manager raised the idea of the Solicitor Apprenticeship. I became the council’s first Apprentice Solicitor last year and I am loving it.
“I have had amazing support from both my university tutors and my colleagues here at work. It’s been 20 years since I last took on study of this kind of magnitude and it’s been an interesting journey getting back into the swing of things but I’m loving using my brain again and doing something for me.
“I always thought apprenticeships were for younger people, but I’ve learnt that they can work for anyone, at any age, at any point in your career.”
See also this related item: Hiring apprentices can benefit Dorset businesses
A total of 43 people have successfully completed their apprenticeships at Dorset Council since April 2019. Most were existing employees developing new skills. Dorset Council currently has 117 apprentices and is aiming to recruit more.
Cllr Andrew Parry, Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said: “Apprenticeships offer great experiences whether you are a school leaver, want to change your career, or simply develop your skills.
“If you do an apprenticeship, you can earn a salary and gain qualifications at the same time. And remember apprenticeships are for everyone, whatever your age or experience.”
John Sellgren, Dorset Council Executive Director for Place and Apprenticeship Chairman Board, said: “One of the first things which Dorset Council has done as a new organisation is to agree a People Strategy. As part of its commitment develop the workforce it is making a priority of apprenticeships. This is a cornerstone of the council’s commitment to become an employer of choice. It has established an Apprenticeship Board to drive investment in young people and employees now and into the future. Apprenticeships are for all and I would encourage anyone who finds themselves at a crossroad in their career to consider an apprenticeship.”
So exactly what is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships allow people to develop their skills. An apprenticeship is a real job, with hands-on experience, a salary and the chance to train while you work.
Apprentices are just like other employees, with a contract and holiday leave. If you’re 16 or over, you can become an apprentice as long as you are not in full time education and you spend at least 50 per cent of your working hours in England.
Apply today!
You can find out more about the hundreds of apprenticeships here: https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentice/what-is-an-apprenticeship
Or call: 0808 2394412.
