Two teenagers are building a brighter future for themselves after starting work at Harrogate Borough Council as Apprentice Multi-Skilled Maintenance Operatives.
Cameron Lowe and Harry Tingle, both 16, have joined the 27 strong In-House Maintenance Team of builders, plumbers, electricians, joiners and multi-skilled operatives, who are responsible for repairs to the council’s social housing and public buildings. The team typically complete over 56,000 repairs annually.
As part of their two year apprenticeships, the pair will work closely with a mentor, benefit from on-the-job training across a number of trades, and attend Harrogate College to study for a Diploma in Building Maintenance, Multi-Trade Repair and Refurbishment.
Councillor Mike Chambers, Cabinet Member for Housing said: It is a pleasure to welcome Cameron and Harry to the council. Apprenticeships are a wonderful way of helping young people make that crucial first step on the career ladder.
It provides the opportunity to learn valuable skills, gain recognised qualifications and provides invaluable experience – something employers are always looking for.
Demand for the In-House Maintenance Team’s services is always high and the apprenticeship programme helps to ensure that the council are able to provide a high quality level of service for our tenants.
Cameron and Harry are the latest apprentices to join the council. Recent successes include Jack Fullerton (18) and Abbie Dodsworth (20) whose apprenticeships in Customer Services led to permanent employment, and Michael King (19) who is currently working as an apprentice in the Motor Transport depot.
Harrogate Borough Council undertakes a range of activity to support and encourage young people into the workplace. This year 32 secondary school and university students, together with recent graduates, have undertaken work experience placements.
The council also supports internship programmes for graduates who have been unable to secure a job.
Council Leader Councillor Richard Cooper said: One of our key priorities is to encourage young people to consider a career with the council. As such, we are keen to offer opportunities through work experience and apprenticeships.
This year, we have offered placements across a wide range of service areas including Leisure, ICT, Legal & Governance, Planning, Parks, Customer Services, Finance and Human Resources.
Those people who have taken part have gained practical experience, and in the case of our apprenticeships valuable qualifications, both of which provide the foundations on which to build a strong future.
Apprenticeships which are currently available and information on applying for work experience with Harrogate Borough Council can be found on the council’s website www.harrogate.gov.uk. Further information on apprenticeships can also be found on the National Apprenticeship Service’s website at www.apprenticeships.org.uk
