A new group of 16 apprentices has commenced their roles within Sunderland City Council for the year 2023. These apprentices are engaged in a wide range of fields, from civil engineering to cyber security.
An official welcoming event for these apprentices took place at Sunderland City Council, held in the Mayor’s Parlour at City Hall.
The apprenticeships encompass various domains, including civil engineering, vehicle fitting, customer service, paviour, cyber security, painting and decorating, bricklaying, and business administration.
During an induction event, Liz St Louis, the director of smart cities and enabling services at Sunderland City Council, extended a warm welcome to the new apprentices. She said: “This is such an exciting time to be joining Sunderland City Council; there’s so much going on around Sunderland at the moment and these roles are a great chance to be part of the city’s development while gaining skills and training.
“I’d like to wish all our new starters the very best with their apprenticeships and hope that this will be the first step in successful careers.”
These apprenticeships are established in collaboration with various colleges and training providers, with durations ranging from 16 months to three years.
Jack Armstrong, who began a level 2 horticulture apprenticeship with the council’s environmental services last year, also attended the event to greet this year’s apprentices and share his own experiences. He said: “I have really enjoyed the apprenticeship; I have learned so much in the first year and I’ve been given opportunities I never thought I would get. It does involve a lot of hard work but if you stick in, there’s a great opportunity at the end of it.”
Leader of Sunderland City Council, Cllr Graeme Miller, said: “Apprentices are a key part of the country’s workforce and future, and here in Sunderland apprenticeships have an important role to play as we embark on achieving our ambitious City Plan.
“It’s absolutely vital for the future that we continue to invest in apprenticeships, recognise the value and contribution that apprentices can bring to Sunderland City Council and that we offer the support our apprentices need.”
Katie Lawson joined the council as an apprentice in customer services last year and has since gone on to secure work in a customer service role. She said: “I can’t believe how far I have come within a year at starting my apprenticeship, I have received so many opportunities through all the training I have received at work.”
