To mark National Apprenticeship Week, Cheshire East Council have been celebrating the success of two of their Apprentices who have recently completed their programme with the support of Total People.
From left to right: Ben Whitter, Nikki Bishop, Helen Cadwallader, Daniel Latham, Jo-ann Hewitt and Total People Adviser Fiona Klimczak
Just six months since the Council launched it’s A-Team Apprenticeship scheme, Nikki Bishop and Daniel Latham have completed their qualification in Business and Administration.
Organisational Development Adviser for Cheshire East, Ben Whitter, congratulated both Apprentices on their achievements and recognised the impact they have made during their short time with the Council.
He said: “ Our recruitment is based on attitude, commitment and a willingness to learn. Both Nikki and Daniel have proved they are great additions to the organisation and have risen to the challenges presented to them.”
Nikki, 19, works within a team supporting the PA to the Strategic Director for Places and applied for the position soon after starting a college course.
“I knew college wasn’t for me so I went to my local Connexions office where they informed me about Apprenticeships. I went on the Apprenticeships website and that’s where I saw the advert for this position.”
Nikki receives her certificate from Ben Whitter and Supervisor Helen Cadwallader
Meanwhile Daniel, 18, took a slightly different route after leaving school, going to college for two years where he did a Diploma in IT followed by Business and Administration.
Whilst at College, he was presented with the opportunity to do a two week work placement at Cheshire East where he received positive feedback from staff and got a taste of what it is like working for a local authority.
“I knew I wanted to put my knowledge into practice and I really enjoyed my work experience so I applied for the Apprenticeship programme.”
“I was invited for an interview and then I received a phone call to say I was successful – I was absolutely delighted!” says Daniel.
Soon after starting, both Apprentices embarked on their qualification and received regular visits from their Total People Adviser who would carry out progress reviews and set tasks and assessments for them to complete.
Nikki’s workplace supervisor Helen Cadwallader has been impressed with her attitude and work ethic since she joined the department.
“Nikki has been a great addition to our team. We have had the pleasure of witnessing her becoming more confident in herself and now she is responsible for organising her own workload and continues to receive positive feedback from senior members of staff. She’s a great asset to our department!”
Nikki adds: “It’s been a fantastic experience. I have gained so much from working here and doing the Apprenticeship – I look forward to coming to work everyday and I’m delighted with my choice of career!”
Daniel with Jo-ann Hewitt and his Training Adviser Fiona Klimczak
Jo-ann Hewitt, Service Team Leader for Waste and Recycling, was Daniel’s supervisor for his first six months in the council.
“Daniel has been a tremendous advocate for the A-Team scheme. He is self-motivated and eager to learn but also brought new skills and ideas into our office.”
Daniel also recognises the positive impact work based training has had on him.
“Being on the Apprenticeship programme has given me a greater understanding of the Council and how it operates which has helped me in my job. I have definitely gained in confidence and look forward to the new challenges that face me.”
The impact the scheme is having on the Council is highly noticeable and Ben Whitter is confident the A-Team brand will continue to grow in the future and inspire even more local organisations to take on apprentices.
“Our Apprentices have embodied the ethos of the organisation, ensuring they go the extra mile to help both colleagues and customers.”
Both Nikki and Daniel have commenced their Advanced Apprenticeship and aim to complete during the next few months.
Cheshire East offer Apprenticeships to people aged 16 and over and give young people the chance to earn money while gaining a national qualification and skills in a work place as a part of an inspiring development experience.
For more information about the Council’s A-Team visit their website.
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[...] Cheshire East Council currently work in partnership with Total People to deliver Apprenticeships which include Accountancy, Health and Social Care, Business & Administration and Customer Service. [...]