You’re Hired! - Council search for new apprentices

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Young people aged between 17 and 19 are being offered the chance to become an apprentice – without having to face Sir Alan Sugar.

Renfrewshire Council is on the look out for young people interested in an office based career to apply for the Modern Apprenticeship programme.

The programme will see successful applicants securing a two-year contract within one of the council's services.

The majority of apprentices are subsequently offered permanent employment and the chance to build a career within Renfrewshire Council.

Jonathan McCarthy, 23, from Paisley, did a Modern Apprenticeship in the Council's housing service. He said: "The Modern Apprenticeship programme was an excellent way for me to begin my career within Renfrewshire Council".

"Completing my SVQ furthered my knowledge and experience and gave me a firm foundation for applying for promoted posts within the department. Now, three years on, I am a development officer within the housing department."

As well as learning on the job, office-based modern apprentices also work towards an SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification) Level 3 in a relevant discipline such as business administration, which they can be assessed for within their workplace by the council's own assessors.

Paul Houston, 27, from Linwood, was a modern apprentice in administration, said: "I would recommend the Modern Apprenticeship programme to any young person thinking of a career within Renfrewshire Council as it provides a platform for learning and developing skills."

Councillor Allan Noon, convener of Renfrewshire Council's general management policy board, said: "We believe in giving young people positive opportunities to enter the job market. The modern apprenticeship scheme is one such opportunity, with young people earning a competitive salary whilst studying towards a nationally-recognised qualification."

Joyce McLean, who manages the Modern Apprenticeship programme for Renfrewshire Council, said: "Modern apprentices start on a minimum salary of £11, 954, but you can start on a higher rate depending on your qualifications. We are looking for applications from people with a minimum of two Highers at grade C or above, or equivalent qualifications, and with the commitment to complete their SVQ over two years".

Anyone interested in finding out more about office-based modern apprenticeships can phone Renfrewshire Council’s Customer Contact Centre on 0141 840 3477 and request a Modern Apprenticeship recruitment pack; or call Joyce McLean on 0141 840 3672. 

Press release: Tuesday 8 July 2008