Apprentices brushing up on boardroom skills

Hampshire County Council has 95 apprentices on its books and a number of them will test out their presenting skills in front of senior managers from across the county council, gaining valuable experience and feedback for their future careers.

A lucky few will also be job-swapping with senior officers getting a taste of what is involved in running a £2bn public service.

Executive member for education, Councillor Peter Edgar, said: ‘Our youth investment programme is going extremely well and it’s great to see so many apprentices in the organisation.

‘From talking to them, it’s clear that they place a high value on the skills they are learning, in terms of personal development, educational achievement and professional learning.

‘I congratulate them on their enthusiasm and dedication, and wish them every success as they continue their apprenticeships and begin to build their careers.

‘I would urge employers to consider the value that apprentices can bring to a business.

‘They are enthusiastic, full of ideas and keen to learn. I also hope that more young people will consider the opportunities provided by apprenticeships, which nowadays are very wide-ranging, and can offer a good start up the career ladder.’

n For more information for employers go to hants.gov.uk/apprenticeships. For anyone interested in applying for an apprenticeship, visit hants.gov.uk/youth-apprenticeships-guide.