Jerome Mayhew MP meets with Broadland and South Norfolk apprentices

This week is National Apprenticeship Week which provides employers the opportunity to highlight the value of apprenticeships for learning on the job, career development and growth. Mr Mayhew was keen to hear directly from those who are currently involved in the apprenticeship programme, as well as from those who have successfully completed their apprenticeships, learning more about the benefits they get from undertaking apprenticeships as well as capturing learnings on how the government can improve apprenticeships going forward.

With 19 apprentices across the two councils, operating in areas from Planning, Environmental Health, PR and Business Admin, the role which apprentices play across Broadland and South Norfolk Councils is vast and the apprentices present were keen to extoll the benefits and share their day-to-day experiences.

One of the biggest benefits that the apprentices spoke of was the ability to be in a paid role, learning practical vocational skills - all while still working towards a qualification that recognises your learning, commitment and value to the workforce.

Speaking after the event Mr Mayhew said ‘

"Not everyone wants, or needs, to go to university to gain employment skills. Apprenticeships are all about offering a great alternative to traditional routes, so having the opportunity to meet current and former apprentices at Broadland and South Norfolk Councils, hearing about their experiences and exploring how the scheme can be improved has been invaluable in teaching me more about how this successful programme can go further.''

Jamie Sutterby – Director for Place and Communities at South Norfolk and Broadland Councils shared his thoughts

“I know from experience how valuable opportunities like this are to not only the apprentices, but the organisations that employ them. It was wonderful to hear our current apprentices share their experiences and articulate all that they have gained from the programme. In addition to providing an important route for local residents to gain qualifications and fulfil their career potential, I know that Broadland and South Norfolk Councils benefit hugely from the apprenticeship programme. It offers us a fresh perspective on the services we are providing, helps build the future leaders of the public sector in Norfolk, as well as a chance for our existing colleagues to develop new skills as a mentor or line manager to apprentices within their teams.”