Apprentices at the council - from the youngest to the more mature - have told their stories as the authority prepares to take on more jobseekers on its award-winning scheme.
Apprenticeship roles are carried out by people of all ages and current council apprentices are aged from 17 to 40. The minimum age one can apply is 16 and there is no upper age limit. More than a dozen positions are being made available and opportunities will range from IT, Plumbing to Electrical, and Business Administration which involves providing crucial support to various teams.
The apprenticeship scheme has thrived despite the pandemic with 2.3% of all the council's employees on an apprenticeship programme.
One of the youngest current apprentices is Mackenzie Garbutt, 17, who grew up in Brotton but currently lives in Redcar.
Mackenzie is a civil engineering apprentice and works on the roads and in the vehicle works yards in what was once a male-dominated work environment. “I was really surprised at how many females were here," said Mackenzie, who is on a three-year apprenticeship. “It wasn't an issue for me anyway, but it shows how things have changed. I was on an art course at college, but it wasn't for me, and I started looking for something where I could progress and get to work. My mum wasn't into my getting an apprenticeship at first, but now she knows more, she's really pleased. Now I'm spending my wages on getting a motorbike licence."
Gary Taylor, 36, originally of New Marske but now living in Redcar is one of a number of mature apprentices at the council. Gary explained he had previously worked as an electrician and a plasterer but had found himself out of work and took an apprenticeship as a horticulturalist. “I had worked with the housing association Beyond Housing doing similar work and enjoyed it. This was a good opportunity and I decided to grab it."
Gary works with Ethan Thompson, 17, who is also an apprentice horticulturalist, meaning he is one of the team making sure the borough looks good while also protecting nature and wildlife. “I love the work and it's a great team," he said, “but everyone warns me it might be a bit tougher in the winter months but, for me, it's a great way to get some good qualifications and a trade."
Courtney Price, 18, is originally from Skelton but now lives in Redcar and is taking a Level 3 NVQ in Business Administration. The role involves supporting the community. She said: “I love seeing all the businesses, organisations and community groups within the borough that make our communities a better place. It's been brilliant, I love the work and there's great people in the team and good people to be around. I'm doing a Level 3 NVQ in Business Administration which might be a passport to other things, even university. I like the idea of working and earning a wage while studying and getting a qualification and it has meant I can get my own home."
Louis Bellhouse, 18, is also in Business Administration. Louis attended Prior Pursglove in Guisborough but is from Redcar. He gained his A Levels but then found himself unemployed. He was supported by the council's Youth Employment Initiative team who helped him with travel costs to interviews and even helped him with getting the right clothes for interviews. “When I got taken on as an apprentice I was over the moon," said Louis, who is supporting a team at Grangetown Employment and Training Hub which helps others find employment. “The only work I could find before was washing pots in a pub. Now I have a chance of a career. You get a lot of support and I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone."
Councillor Glyn Nightingale, Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “I'd like to congratulate all our apprentices and everyone involved in what is a very successful scheme at the council which is designed to give people a chance to not only get into employment but then thrive for years to come.
“I was very pleased to see some of our apprentices grabbing a second chance when they're looking for a new beginning and it's worth remembering age is no barrier to being accepted on an apprenticeship. Everyone deserve that opportunity to fulfil their aspirations and an apprenticeship is an excellent way to do just that."
The authority pays above average - £5 an hour or £185 a week – for the first year and then apprentices are moved on to the national minimum wage. The council's scheme won the national Municipal Journal Award for Transforming Lives. Find out more about our apprenticeships at https://www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/resident/jobs-and-recruitment/apprenticeships/Pages/apprenticeships.aspx
Find out more about the council's Youth Employment Initiative scheme which provides extra support for those aged 16 to 29 who are unemployed or not in training or education. Call 01642 771246 or email YEI@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk