How our apprentices are celebrating National Apprenticeship Week
Published: Wednesday, 9 February, 2022
Our apprentices are celebrating National Apprenticeship Week by planting ‘Seedboms’ provided by the South West Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (SWAAN) in partnership with the Government's apprenticeship programme.
The Seedboms were created to represent how skills can grow when doing an apprenticeship. Several Stroud District Council apprentices and SDC Chief Executive Kathy O’Leary, came together to plant the Seedboms outside the Council’s Ebley Mill HQ.
Seedboms are made with a starch and natural fibre based PaperFoam shell, filled with a mix of organic peat-free compost and wildflower or herb seeds. They can be plated due to their biodegradable shell, or the seeds instead can be sprinkled.
The 15th annual National Apprenticeship Week runs from the 7th to 13th February and is a week-long celebration of apprenticeships that takes place across England.
This week is a chance for apprentices and employers to demonstrate the positive impact that apprenticeships have on individuals and employers. The theme this year is ‘Build the future’ which reflects on the future-ready skills that apprenticeships provide.
Stroud District Council has 12 apprentices in different departments all on different courses, from business support to digital marketing. The Council won the Gloucestershire Live Apprenticeship Employer of the Year award in 2020.
The Council has one former apprentice and two current apprentices who volunteer for the SWAAN to help promote apprenticeships across the district. The SWAAN is a community of current and former apprentices who work in various industries across the UK. These ambassadors visit schools and colleges within their local area to share their story and inform young people about the benefits of an apprenticeship.
Stroud District Council’s Chief Executive, Kathy O’Leary said: “Our apprentices are hard-working and make amazing additions to our teams across the council. We ensure that they are all fully supported and are treated just like every member of staff. This week is a great way to show the positive impact apprentices have on a workplace.”
SDC’s Deputy Leader, Catherine Braun said: “Apprenticeships are a great idea for individuals who are wanting to continue learning but don’t think University or college is the right next step for them. Apprentices at SDC are not only given an opportunity to learn independently but also gain knowledge and are given guidance from their colleagues.”
Find out more information on apprenticeships and National Apprenticeship Week here: https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/ and check www.stroud.gov.uk/jobs-and-training/jobs-with-the-council for apprenticeship opportunities.
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