These Stroud District Council apprentices are in the running for a top award
Published: Monday, 4 March, 2019
Apprentices who have grasped the chance to get their careers off to a flying start are in the running for a top accolade.
Stroud District Council’s apprentices Emily Robbins and Emma Smith have reached the final of the Gloucestershire Live Apprentice of the Year competition.
Emily and Emma have both completed a Level 2 NVQ in Business Administration, and are working towards Level 3.
And they’re both in the running for the title of Outstanding Apprentice of the Year (Service Sector – Public, Private & Charitable). The winner will be announced at a glitzy awards ceremony at Cheltenham Racecourse.
Emma, aged 20, started her apprenticeship after completing A Levels, then a one-year art diploma. She is currently working as a Business Support Assistant in the IT service at Ebley Mill.
"I struggled to know what I wanted to do as a career since my school years, and I wanted to make sure that I used my time wisely,” she said. "The apprenticeship route provided me with an opportunity to earn money while gaining a qualification, as well as giving me more of an idea what it was like to work in a full-time job."
Emily, 18, started her apprenticeship after discovering that sixth form wasn’t the right setting for her. She recently secured a position as a Business Support Officer in the Property Services service.
Emily explained why she chose the apprenticeship route.
"I wanted to continue with further education, gain a qualification and develop my confidence,” she said. “My apprenticeship has provided me with a vision of how I can further my education in construction as I work alongside trainee surveyors, which is a career I’d like to pursue."
Stroud District Council currently employs five apprentices, and recently advertised five new apprentice posts.
"I’m proud of our commitment to apprenticeships which provide a great grounding in the world of work to people just starting out in their careers," said Council Leader Doina Cornell.
“I congratulate them for being nominated and wish them both the best of luck in the final.”
“We greatly value the contribution apprentices make across the council,” said Stroud District Council’s Chief Executive Kathy O’Leary. “It’s a great way to earn a qualification while getting experience of the world of work and I’m delighted that many of our apprentices go on to secure full-time positions here.”
The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday, March 7.