Three new apprentices have kickstarted their careers as they join Wigan Council to work within the highways team.
Ben Thornborrow, of Ince, Joe Aindow, of Hawkley Hall and Seb Bradshaw of Orrell, join as roadworker apprentices and are the latest in a long line of young talent to start their journey at the council.
The apprenticeships will last around 30 months and will combine a two-year formal study with onsite practical experience.
Wigan Council received 65 applications with the standard very high so there is an ambition to continue with additional cohorts in the coming years.
Speaking about joining the council, Joe said: "I am delighted to join Wigan Council as part of the roadworker team. It's hopefully the start of a long career.
"I hope to pick up valuable skills that will stand me in good stead moving forward."
They joined shortly before National Apprenticeship Week 2021 (NAW2021). The theme for NAW2021 is ‘Build the Future’ and aims to encourage everyone to consider how apprenticeships help individuals to build the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career.
Apprenticeships provide the chance for young people to earn and learn and develop a range of skills.
Leader of Wigan Council, Councillor David Molyneux, said: “Providing all of our young people with the very best opportunities we can is a key priority for us.
“We’ve got some fantastic young people in the borough and it’s crucial to our economy that we grow our own talent from within.
“We are very proud to continue promoting apprentices and we’re delighted with the ongoing success of our apprenticeship programme.”
Councillor Paul Prescott, Wigan Council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “Apprenticeships give young people the opportunity to gain professional qualifications, work experience and a step on to the career ladder.
“I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our three new apprentices. The work they will do over the next few years will go a long way to benefit motorists in the borough while also developing them as individuals.”
Now has never been a better time for employers in the borough to take on apprentices with increased government grants which were due to end in January extended to the end of March.
Employers can secure a grant of up to £3,000 (depending on the age of the apprentice recruited) after it was increased from £1,000 last August.
Find out more about apprenticeship funding and support.