September 24, 2015 4.12 pm This story is over 102 months old

City of Lincoln Council marks 20 years of apprenticeships

Benchmark set: City of Lincoln Council has celebrated two decades of supporting young people into work through apprenticeships.
Councillor Andrew Kerry with Level 3 apprentice Kathryn Blissitt and Level 2 apprentices Taylor Whittaker and Chelsee Freestone. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

City of Lincoln Council has celebrated two decades of supporting young people into work through apprenticeships.

Current and former apprentices at the council have worked together to organise activities taking place to mark the celebration on Thursday, September 24.

This has included the main event taking place in the city centre, featuring stalls and information, live music, hands-on activities and fundraising opportunities for Linkage Community Trust.

A new bench to mark the occasion was also unveiled by Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Andrew Kerry.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Work Based Learning Manager, Jane Newman, said: “As an organisation we benefit from apprentices in many ways. Young people bring a vibrant new culture and many different skills, but we also encourage senior development and career planning options through higher apprenticeships.

“Both current and former apprentices are actively involved in promoting the opportunities available through apprenticeships, and have worked well together to help us celebrate our 20th anniversary this month.

“What makes the city council’s apprenticeship scheme exemplary is our determination to go beyond just providing young people with a foot on the career ladder – it’s going the extra mile to support all groups overcome barriers.”

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Leader of the council, Ric Metcalfe, added: “The council’s apprenticeship scheme contributes to the skills element of our growth strategy for the city.

“It provides opportunities for young people who may find it hard otherwise to compete in the labour market and it ‘grows our own’ talent to help us succeed as an organisation.

“It’s a great scheme for us, the city and for young people setting out in life for the first time.”