Devon County Council

1. What is an apprenticeship?
2. What apprenticeships are offered by Devon County Council?
3. What does the Devon County Council apprenticeship scheme involve?
4. What support is available to me?
5. What departments have offered Apprentice placements in the past?
6. What type of work could I be involved in?
7. What have the current apprentices achieved so far?
8. What do the current apprentices think of the scheme?
9. How do I apply?
10. Who can I contact if I have any questions?

1. What is an apprenticeship? An apprenticeship gives you the chance to earn while you learn. They are work-based training programmes where you can earn wages, gain new qualifications and knowledge, and learn key skills. Devon County Council’s apprenticeship programme was introduced in October 2006 as one of DCC’s entry to work initiatives. It provides young people with the opportunity to develop skills, gain national vocational qualifications and secure permanent employment within the County Council.

2. What apprenticeships are offered by Devon County Council?

Devon County Council currently offer apprenticeships in the following areas: Business and Administration Customer Service IT

3. What does the Devon County Council apprenticeship scheme involve?

The apprentices have 2 years to complete their qualifications (including NVQ, key skills and technical certificate) and secure a permanent role with the County Council.Each apprentice undertakes the following: Induction Qualification training days (one day every 2 weeks) Team challenge event Work related project arranged by the Directorate Interview techniques training Any additional training identified by the Directorate

4. What support is available to me?

Apprentices are supported throughout their two year programme and are assisted with finding permanent employment within the Council at the end of the scheme. During the programme you would receive the following support: Day to day support from colleagues, line manager and assessor NVQ support from assessor and line manager Technical Certificate and Key Skills support from trainer, assessor and line manager Support from current and previous apprentices

5. What departments have offered Apprentice placements in the past?

Our apprentices have each had the opportunity to work in a variety of different areas including:

• Business Transformation Unit
• Customer Service Centre
• Early Years and Childcare Service
• Environment Economy and Culture Directorate Support
• Finance
• Procurement Services
• Recruitment Services
• ScoMIS
• Technical Network Team
• Web Team
• Youth Service

6. What type of work could I be involved in?

The type of work you may be involved in depends on the placement and the specific duties of that team. The apprentices so far have undertaken various tasks, for example:-

• Assisting with projects
• Providing admin support to the team e.g. typing, filing, photocopying
• Reception
• Attending careers fairs
• Dealing with customer enquires in writing, by email and over the phone
• Using computer software packages e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint, as well as specialist packages
• Finance tasks, including invoicing and budget monitoring
• Assisting with the design and creation of webpages

7. What have the current apprentices achieved so far?

Our apprentices so far have been involved in a number of schemes and projects, and have positively impacted upon the Council. Examples of what has been achieved so far includes:

• The design of the County Council’s Young People’s web pages, which has received positive endorsement from DCC’s web team, Connexions and other partner agencies.
• The apprentices represent the view point of young people on the Equality Reference Group helping to shape our current and future practices and services.
• A representative from the apprentices is also helping to develop the young person’s hotline at the DCC Customer Service Centre.
• They have made a presentation on the apprenticeship scheme to Corporate Management Board, Full Council and at careers fairs, which has been influential in helping to develop the scheme.
• They have undertaken a volunteering team challenge at Ladysmith Infant School in Exeter where they painted a jungle scene in one of the children’s cloakrooms.
• The apprentices who started the programme in 2006 have all successfully completed the full level 2 awards and are making good progress towards achieving their level 3 qualifications.
• Five out of the six apprentices from the 2006 intake and two apprentices from the 2007 intake have already secured permanent employment within the Authority.
• Two apprentices were selected to represent Devon County Council as part of a team that competed at the "Young Local Authority of the year Challenge" in February 2008 at Bournemouth.
• The Apprenticeship scheme won the DCC Equalities Best Practice Award 07/08, for its positive action in the recruitment and retention of young people within DCC.
• The Apprentices were also nominated for the Devon Young People's Achievement Awards 2008.
• Two apprentices were nominated for the national Apprentice of the Year Award 2008 and one apprentice has won the Apprentice category in the ICT Sector Skills National Apprenticeship Awards 2008.

8. What do the current apprentices think of the scheme?

“The scheme is a great way to earn while you are learning. I would recommend it to anyone.”

“Before joining the scheme I thought DCC would be stuffy, bureaucratic and old. I had no idea what opportunities existed within the Council, or what services they provided. My views have certainly changed since becoming an apprentice. I now have a better understanding of the valuable contribution Devon County Council makes to local communities and I feel a part of this.”

“I felt the recruitment and induction was very effective in the way it was carried out, as it was specifically aimed at young people and gave us chance to get a better understanding of Devon County Council as a whole.”

“DCC staff members have been very friendly and have made me feel very welcome.”

“Before joining the scheme I thought I might only be learning very basic tasks, but have been surprised at the variety of work and responsibilities I have been given. The amount of courses, sessions and opportunities that are available for training is also astonishing. More than I expected and great for my development.”

“I think the apprentice program is a great idea which is run very well. It has given youngsters like me a real good start and chance in life.”

"I have found the apprenticeship scheme to be the perfect opportunity for me to work in a professional environment and further my qualifications, whilst being paid. There are also great prospects for me to further my qualifications and secure permanent employment."

"I believe I have made an impact to this organisation at the Customer Service Centre. I wish to progress and make the most of this fantastic opportunity"

9. How do I apply?

The apprenticeship scheme is advertised from June each year in the local press, Connexions and on the DCC jobs website (www.devonjobs.gov.uk). Full details about the scheme and application process will be available from that date. Application is via an application form sent through Connexions. The recruitment process takes place at the end of August / beginning of September with the apprentices starting employment by October.

10. Who can I contact if I have any questions?

If you have any questions or would like further information on the apprenticeship scheme, please contact Tracey Holding on 01392 688208 or email tracey.holding@devon.gov.uk.