Winchester City Council introduces customer service apprentice scheme
Winchester City Council’s customer service centre is launching an apprenticeship scheme this summer, offering the opportunity for young people to kick start their careers in local government.
The Council will be recruiting 2 apprentices during July to begin training in August of this year. The apprentices will complete a 12 month work based training program which will giving them both valuable work experience in dealing with customer enquiries and provide the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications.
The opportunities have been designed to be ideal for 16 to 18 year old school leavers where there is a current high level of unemployment. Cllr Stephen Godfrey, Portfolio Holder for Administration, Innovation and Improvement said, “These apprenticeships are extremely good news for both the Council and the young people who stand to gain experience and qualifications. I am very pleased to be able to help two young people have an opportunity that will provide the springboard to the rest of their careers.”
The apprenticeships will be advertised through the national Apprenticeship website, and the Winchester City Council website www.winchester.gov.uk
This is the first time apprenticeships have been introduced to the Council and if they are a success the scheme may be extended to offer further opportunities.
Since opening in 2005 the customer service centre, which holds Customer Service Excellence standard accreditation, has established an impressive track record in developing staff who have joined the Council as customer service advisors in the centre before moving on to take up career opportunities across the organisation.