Apprentices joined together today for a special event in Colchester to mark National Apprenticeship Week.

Ten young people taking part in the Colchester Borough Council apprenticeship programme shared their experiences with guests including Cllr Mark Cory, portfolio holder for resources.

The event showcased the achievements of the first apprentices appointed after the introduction of the government’s Apprenticeship Levy. In a new comprehensive scheme, they have been working across a range of services, including IT, museums, leisure world and council tax and benefits.

Megan Ruff, who works in the events team, said: “I have really enjoyed my time as an apprentice -it has given me the best possible experience, which I wouldn’t have been able to get elsewhere.”

Rachel Binnie, a member of the professional support unit team, said: “I have enjoyed being an apprentice here at CBC because it has given me many great opportunities which has given me many more skills, and I have gained work experience which I can carry with me in the future. The apprenticeship programme has allowed me to experience things that I never thought I would do.”

Under the scheme, young people aged 16-plus get the chance to experience the working world through a year-long, full-time, structured training programme and get paid while they learn.

The 10 council apprentices were also joined by the two Colchester Borough Homes’ current apprentices, who are working in electrical and in painting and decorating.

Tiffany Brown, who was an apprentice with CBH as part of the Tradeswomen into Maintenance Project run by Mears and the Chartered Institute of Housing was also at the event. She joined the scheme as a trainee plumber, straight from school at 16, and is currently working as a plumber at CBH.

Tiffany said: “I think it’s really important that girls come into the world of maintenance. They shouldn’t be put off by being in the minority, and there is no reason why women can’t do more.”

Cllr Mark Cory said: “Taking on apprentices has been incredibly beneficial for both the Council and our trainees and today’s event was a wonderful way to highlight this.”

For details of job and apprenticeship opportunities at Colchester Borough Council, visit the website.