03/19/2024

Wales News Online

Local & National News for Wales

RCT Council Apprenticeship and Graduate Schemes open for applications

RHONDDA Cynon Taf Council’s incredibly popular Apprenticeship and Graduate Schemes are now open for applications.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council prides itself in providing quality employment opportunities, and in November 2018 won the Employer of the Year award at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru for the outstanding Apprenticeship programme. The Council has also been named as a finalist for the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2021, which will be announced later this year.

For 2021, the Council has 24 Apprentice and 14 Graduate positions available to apply for, ranging from civil engineering to domestic abuse support, and project management to cybersecurity.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has a strong record of providing employment opportunities through a range of employment schemes, with 121 apprentices and 66 graduates employed since 2017 alone.

The huge range of opportunities that are made available each year always leads to a high volume of applications, with the schemes’ popularity increasing year on year.

The Apprenticeship Scheme has been running since September 2012, and during that time, over 300 apprentices have been employed across the Council.

Each of the apprentice opportunities is paid, fixed for two years and offer the chance to secure both industry-recognised qualifications and essential vocational experience in one of sixteen chosen fields.

Graduate Scheme placements are a two-year fixed work placement in which opportunities are given to develop management skills in a dynamic and varied organisation, as well as gaining a Project Management Level 4 qualification.

There are graduate roles in 14 disciplines.

Many graduates from previous years have gone into management positions after the scheme including two who are currently working in head of service roles within the Council.

Arrangements are in place to conduct the necessary interviews and assessments in the safest manner possible that adheres to all of the relevant public health guidance and regulations.

Councillor Maureen Webber, Deputy Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said:

“I’m extremely pleased to announce the opening of RCT Council’s Apprenticeship and Graduate Schemes for 2021.

“The Council’s Apprenticeship and Graduate Schemes have proven to be hugely successful every year, and even with an amended recruitment schedule last year it, its popularity increased.

“In 2017, we made a commitment that we would provide at least 150 apprentice and graduate posts through the two schemes over the course of this Council term. Last year we met and exceeded that commitment, nearly two years ahead of schedule, and made a further promise that we would continue to deliver even more opportunities this year.

“As one of the largest employers in the local area, we recognise the importance of creating high-quality, well-paid jobs, with learning opportunities, for our residents – and it has never been more important than now.

“The Council provides a wide array of services, and our apprentice and graduate opportunities reflect this with posts available in areas ranging from environment, mechanics, accountancy and digital.

“Since 2017, 121 apprentices have already benefitted from the training and development opportunities that form an integral part of the scheme, with the 2018 intake now approaching the end of their scheme and moving onto the start of successful careers.

“We’re proud that between 2012-2018, 100% of our Apprentices and Graduates achieved their full qualification framework, 92% secured employment once their scheme finished, with over 80% of these securing employment within the Council, while others went into further learning.

“Our graduate scheme gives successful applicants the opportunity to develop as managers of the future while gaining industry-recognised qualifications. Since 2017, the Council has employed 66 graduates through the Graduate Scheme, who are all making positive contributions to the Council and bringing with them new ideas and fresh thinking.

“The creation of graduate and apprentice opportunities also complement the work schemes we offer for care-leavers, including preparing them for work through the Care2Work scheme and offering two-year, paid, work placements and an extensive work experience catalogue to help young people find full-time work through the “Step in the Right Direction” scheme.

“As we have seen during the pandemic, the work that Council staff undertake is critical to ensuring our communities are kept safe and vital services continue to be accessible to residents. I hope that the essential work our staff do will inspire people to consider working for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.”

 

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