BASINGSTOKE and Deane Borough Council has been named as one of the top 20 councils to meet the government’s public sector apprenticeship target in 2017/18.

A total of 19 people started apprenticeships at the borough council during 2017/18 – including seven new apprentices specialising in customer services, housing, parks and streetscene, project management, human resources, democratic services and corporate communications.

Since 2010 the borough council has taken on 44 apprentices.

The borough council has exceeded the Local Government Association (LGA) national apprenticeship target of 2.3 per cent new starters in a year.

Basingstoke and Deane is one of only 34 councils out of 299 authorities which meets the target, achieving 2.7 per cent and placed 19 in the league table.

Corporate communications apprentice at the borough council Amy Hawkins said: “I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to anybody who likes a hands-on approach.

“Doing an apprenticeship lets you see first-hand how an organisation operates. You get to earn while you learn and it increases your confidence in the workplace.”

The borough council’s success was revealed in the publication of the government’s public sector target performance data for 2017/18.

Leader of the borough council, Cllr Clive Sanders added: “We are delighted at the government’s latest league table results and proud to offer fantastic apprenticeship opportunities as part of our commitment to supporting local people into work.

“An apprenticeship can be the right option for those who want a fulfilling career without going to university – it’s an excellent way to earn while you learn and enjoy extra benefits, such as leave entitlement, offered to all our members of staff.

”While our apprentices gain experience and a qualification, they also make a valuable contribution to the work of the council.”

For more visit jobs.basingstoke.gov.uk/apprenticeships.