To mark National Apprenticeship Week, KM editorial apprentice Megan Carr spoke to two people involved in Gravesham council’s scheme.

Elle Green and Katie Honeywood left college learning behind to join Gravesham council’s apprenticeship scheme, and haven’t looked back.

Elle, 17, from Swanscombe, began her training with the payments team last September and in less than six months has already taken part in multiple courses including customer services.

She said: “You’re just constantly moving up the ladder. This isn’t just work, its a new learning experience, you’re treated just like everyone else, you’re independent, and although you’re not at university, it’s still educational – just without the debt.

“And because you’re in the workplace you can set up future needs that some people my age wouldn’t even think off, like pensions and savings.”

Elle went to college for a year and left after getting a health and social care qualification, saying copying notes from a board just wasn’t for her.

She added: “I wanted to work and learn, I didn’t know what I wanted, but an apprenticeship offered me have hands on experience and wages at the same time, it’s just a great way to learn.”

Former apprentice Katie, 22, from Northfleet, joined Gravesham council’s local government apprenticeship scheme in 2017 after going to college.

Over the years she has moved from being an apprentice with the communications team, to tourist information and is currently working full-time with the licensing team.

She said: “I always wanted an admin job, something in HR, so when I was searching for apprenticeships it became clear to me how beneficial local government apprenticeships are.

“I didn’t want to pay for university, so learning and getting paid was brilliant.

“Although people say apprenticeship wages are bad money it isn’t just about the money, it’s the experience, and instead of going to uni and not getting paid and sitting in a lecture, you’re at work in the real world and earning on the side too.”

An apprenticeship offers practical experience, a salary and the chance to train while you work. You’re treated just like all the other employees, with a contract of employment and holiday leave but spend at least 20% of your time in off the job training.

Gravesham council apprentices are given one day a week to work on their qualifications, through coursework and courses, while the rest of the week is given to hands-on experience and work.

Elle said: “You’re not just asked to scan paper work or make teas, you are part of the team and treated like an adult, it doesn’t matter how old you are, you’re not singled out.”

Katie added: “If I could do it all again I would’ve just gone straight for the apprenticeship, I’ve come so far in just three years, I can’t imagine where I could’ve been with a two-year head start.”

Gravesham council currently has 18 apprentices, and offer apprenticeships ranging from office work to more hands on occupations at Brookvale Depot, were they can offer training for surveyors, motor technicians, carpenters, electricians, plumber and heating apprenticeships.

There are a number of Level 2 business administration apprenticeships and recently a Level 3 event assistant role was launched within the marketing team.

National Apprenticeship Week, which end today, is an annual celebration of the impact of apprenticeships on individuals, employers and the economy. For more information about apprenticeships and search for opportunities near you, visit www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

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