Celebration of successes of the Urban Driver Apprenticeships

This week, February 9 to 15, is National Apprenticeship Week, with a focus on the theme “Skills for Life”.

West Suffolk Council, is hosting a range of apprenticeships from Business Administration to Environmental Health Practitioner degree and more.

Apprentices can gain experience and a wage whilst working towards their chosen qualification, making an apprenticeship appealing to those looking to either kick start or further expand their career.

One apprenticeship the council offers is the Urban Driver Level 2 Apprenticeship, where current council employees, including waste operatives and street cleansers, are offered the chance to undertake and complete the nine-month course to gain a nationally recognised qualification.

The Urban Driver apprenticeship course covers:

• obtaining HGV class 2 licence;
• classroom training sessions;
• practice training including vehicle checks; and
• driving and safety awareness.

The apprenticeship also covers a mock and real theory test, with a week of practical lessons, followed with a driving test.

Apprentices can also gain added experience by shadowing current drivers on the job.

Jason Farrant, past apprentice and depot chargehand at West Suffolk Council, said, “I found the HGV apprenticeship a very worthwhile scheme that has helped me get a broader knowledge of the industry we work in, plus I have gained a professional qualification which has opened different doors regarding working opportunities.

“The support from the course leaders were second to none, each step of the way they took into consideration everyone’s different needs. I would highly recommend it.”

The council supports a range of apprenticeships as they provide a valuable opportunity to create the foundations for a rewarding career, whilst supporting the council to develop its workforce.

Dave Taylor, the cabinet member for Operations at West Suffolk Council, said: “The success of the Urban Driver Apprenticeship is testament to our dedicated managers supporting our focused and skilled apprentices.

“With a 100 per cent success rate for our first two cohorts, I am delighted that we are now supporting our third round of employees to complete their training.

“The council supports the Urban Driver Apprenticeship as it provides a career pathway for current frontline staff and helps us minimise the risk of driver shortages, enabling us to deliver essential services.”

The Urban Driver Apprenticeship scheme is currently run on an annual basis. All apprenticeships are funded by the Government Apprenticeship Levy.

To find out about apprenticeships within the council visit Apprenticeships.