GWYNEDD Council are embarking on a recruitment campaign to hire more staff through an apprentice scheme.
Since the Apprenticeship Scheme started in 2019, 30 apprentices have found work across the Council’s services, with a new push aimed at appointing up to 20 new apprentices each year.
Councillor Nia Jeffreys, Gwynedd Council's Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, said: “Gwynedd Council's Apprenticeship Scheme is something I'm really proud of, and it's great to see everyone who has been involved with the scheme progressing so well.
"As a Council, we want to secure good jobs for the people of the county and thanks to this scheme dozens of people in Gwynedd have had the opportunity to start a career and gain valuable qualifications, all through the medium of the Welsh language.
"I’m proud of the variety of apprenticeships on offer, and especially that we are working to redress the gender imbalance in some sectors, with female apprentices taking up jobs in the technology and engineering sectors and men as apprentices in the field of care.
"The Council will soon be recruiting more, with opportunities in the areas of information and digital technology, adult and children's care, administration, customer care, civil engineering and more."
One of those to have benefitted from the scheme is Hana Wellings, from Dyffryn Ardudwy, who is an electrical apprentice in the Council's street lighting team.
She enjoys the variety of work and the opportunity to work across different communities in Gwynedd.
Ms Wellings said: "I started my apprenticeship at the end of August, so I’ve done well over six months already and things are going great, I'm learning new things every day.
"Before that, I worked for the air force for six years.
“There was a bit of electronics in that job and I did an A-level in the subject at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor - I've always enjoyed the subject.
“I'm a person who likes to be outside so this apprenticeship was perfect for me.
“While working, I'm also doing an electrical engineering course at the college in Llangefni which provides an opportunity to develop and learn.
"I would encourage people to apply for an apprenticeship, it's the perfect way to learn new skills on the job and do the theory at college."
Osian Meredydd, from Bangor, is a civil engineering apprentice in the Council's YGC department.
Mr Meredydd said: “I've started as an apprentice since August 2021 and really enjoy the experience.
“I learn about the job, which is mainly to monitor bridges and road structures, to visit the locations with experienced staff.
"That's an important part of it, but I also go to Coleg Cambria once a week as part of the apprenticeship, and gain a relevant qualification for the job.
"I would love to work myself up in the field and get a permanent job when I complete the apprenticeship - it's a really good opportunity to develop in a professional field and get to do it here in Gwynedd.
One apprentice who has gone on to secure a position with the authority is Lisa Mair Thomas from Llandwrog.
Ms Thomas pursued a Business and Administration (Human Resources) apprenticeship with the Council after finishing sixth form, and is now a Human Resources Administration Officer.
She said: "I had a great experience as an apprentice with the Council, getting the experience of the world of work while gaining a qualification.
“I was really interested in human resources and being an apprentice was the best option for me. I learned new things every day and developed my career, but mostly I enjoyed the job.
"I have been fortunate enough to move on to take up a permanent position as a Human Resources Administration Officer with the Council.
Anyone can apply for an apprenticeship with the Council - opportunities are open to anyone over the age of 16, living in Wales and not in full-time education.
An apprenticeship with Gwynedd Council offers the chance to embark on a career path, by offering work-based learning, professional experience as well as a relevant qualification through the medium of Welsh.
Details of all apprenticeships available with Gwynedd Council over the coming weeks will be published on the Council's apprenticeship website www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/apprenticeships, where you can also register if you’re interested in an apprenticeship.
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