Rudzy Thomas is currently undertaking a Level 2 Apprenticeship in Plumbing at SGS College. Working with employer NKS, the 19 year olds main duties are centred around disability adaptations, something which he thoroughly enjoys.
Rudzy has been at SGS for nearly 4 years now starting off with a Route 16 course in 2011 after not getting on well at school and leaving early. He progressed to a full time level 1 Plumbing course where he began to flourish and then went on to the Level 2 the following year.
In 2014 Rudzy started to work with NKS as a labourer which was demanding but he enjoyed it. After a year the employer was so impressed with him they asked if he wanted to undertake an apprenticeship which commenced in September 2015.
25-year-old Alex Eden from Yate, started an Apprenticeship in Business Administration in the summer of 2013.
Alex, who studies and works at SGS College’s Filton Campus, works within the College’s Suited Booted Recruited (SBR) team, which provides tailored courses that help people get back into employment.
Since starting her apprenticeship at the College Alex has completed the level 2 and 3 qualification and has now gained full time employment as a Traineeship Co-Ordinator.
Eric, 20, from Downend, joined the council in the role of Economic Development Officer as part of his Business Administration apprenticeship.
Eric says: “I found out about the apprenticeship scheme on the council’s website and applied via www.apprenticeships.org.uk. I really wanted to do an apprenticeship as I believe they are an excellent way to get work experience, as well as a widely recognised qualification.
“I’m fitting in well. Everyone I’ve met has been very friendly and welcoming. All the members of the economic development team, and colleagues across the council, have made themselves readily available to help me if I have any questions.
“In my first week I learnt the initial processes for planning an event in the community, our intranet, learning e-module and policies and Abdul (Choudhury) has given me an insight into the Enterprise areas and inward investment. I have also started to become involved with granting film permits.
“I am looking forward to becoming a valuable member of the team, and obtaining good work experience which will improve my career prospects and increase my employability.
Alice joined the council in March as a FOI & Complaints Support Officer as part of her current studies to gain a Level 2 Business Administration qualification.
Alice is from Kingswood and her role is based in the Customer and Transactional Services division, in the Civic Centre.
Alice said: “I heard about the apprenticeship scheme via the apprenticeship website www.apprenticeships.org.uk and was really interested in what it had to offer. I’ve settled in really well – I was a bit nervous at first but the team are great and there is plenty of work to do and I’m happy to have been able to jump straight into my role.
“In my first week I supported the team by dealing with varied customer enquiries including the new garden waste arrangements. I am now moving onto handling and recording customer feedback.
Jamie-Renée Cooke, 21, started her apprenticeship with South Gloucestershire Council last year. She is undertaking a Level 4 leadership and management course with South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS).
Jamie works in the Economic Development Team at the council offices in Yate. The team is responsible for promoting South Gloucestershire and the West of England to the business community and encouraging new business to invest in the region.
Jamie explains: ‘I didn't want to go to university, because I knew it wasn't for me, but I wanted to continue to learn, so the apprenticeship seemed to be the perfect option.
‘Whilst working and learning new skills at South Gloucestershire Council, I also attend college one morning a week studying for the Institute in Leadership and Management at Level 4.
‘For me it gives me fantastic on the job experience alongside the qualifications which will help me to progress my career. I enjoy the combination of work and studying that an apprenticeship offers. The support I have from fellow colleagues is brilliant and no two days are the same.
Jamie secured a permanent role with the council last year when she began her Level 4 higher apprenticeship, having already passed a Level 3 advanced apprenticeship in Business Administration the previous year, working for a partner organisation.
George Kousouros, Community Enterprise Officer and Jamie’s line manager said: ‘Apprenticeships are very rewarding for both the employees and the employer.
‘For us it is fantastic to have enthusiastic young people to join the teams to offer help, support and fresh ideas.
23-year-old Rosie Pickering from Thornbury began an Advanced Apprenticeship in Customer Services at South Gloucestershire Council’s Customer Contact Centre last year and after successfully completing her apprenticeship she has now been appointed as a full time Customer Care Officer.
“One of the best aspects of a Customer Service Apprenticeship is that whilst I faced new challenges, I learned new skills that can be applied to any job the future may hold," she added.
Our Head of Street Care Mark King, who started out as an apprentice, has given his backing to the scheme. After leaving school, Mark got a job as an apprentice tool maker at a factory in the West Midlands.
Mark helped to recruit Adam Williams, 18, from Yate who started a three year mechanics apprenticeship at our Broad Lane depot.
Adam said: “I was interested in doing an apprenticeship because its more ‘hands on’ and I learn better when I’m doing the job.
"My mum also works for the council and she went about finding out more about what apprenticeship opportunities were available. I was lucky enough to complete a weeks work experience here not that long ago so I had an idea of what to expect.
"I really do enjoy it. I enjoy the variety of the apprenticeship role. I am learning and meeting new friends both in the workshop and at college. I have recently learnt about basic mechanics and health and safety.
"Every six weeks I attend college for a week so I’ll complete my maths and English functional skills as part of the apprenticeship. So I get the best of both worlds – learning at college and learning doing a paid job.
"Everyone is really friendly at the depot and are always there to help me in the workplace. I have a manager who I speak to each day and helps me out with everyday things but all my work colleagues are very approachable and I am not afraid to ask them about anything. I also get one-to-one support from colleagues. I’m given helpful feedback on my performance and on the jobs I’ve completed. This makes me feel like I’m really part of the team and all working together.
"In the future I would like to be a qualified mechanic and ideally running my own garage. I’m really enjoying the apprenticeship and would definitely recommend it."