Apprenticeships, work experience and volunteering

Working, learning, earning - salary and benefits

Our apprentices are paid the national minimum wage by age set by Government, we also cover all qualification and training costs. Additional benefits include:

• Eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave
• Subsidised gym and leisure membership plus other wellbeing incentives/checks
• Flexitime and flexible working policies
• 'Bike2Work' scheme - large discounts on bikes and accessories
• Public transport discounts - up to 50%
• Discounted car parking facilities and car share scheme
• A range of local and national discounts on products and services

Why become an apprentice?

Being an apprentice can help you get your career started by giving you a combination of real work experience and qualifications. Combining on the job training with study allowing you to earn while you learn.

• You will achieve a nationally recognised qualification (NVQ)
• Further opportunities for progression and development will be provided for you, such as training courses and workshops
• You will be earning whilst you learn
• Opportunities to work independently and within teams
• It provides you with the opportunity to get your foot in the door in a real working environment

Finding an apprenticeship

The main place to search for an apprenticeship is on the National Apprenticeship Service website which will show you the apprenticeship vacancies in your local area or you can search for a specific role.

Vacancies are generally advertised in April/May

Our apprenticeship scheme

Colchester Borough Council offers a range of apprenticeship opportunities, These opportunities are based across a variety of different services within the organisation. All our apprenticeships gain a nationally recognised qualification (NVQ) and valuable work experience.

The programme includes:

• A comprehensive learning and development programme.
• Induction and on the job training, project work, job shadowing (day in the life of), mentoring, buddying, as well as attending workshops.
• Dedicated study/training time with a recognised training provider supplying either on site or day release training.
• The Hourly rate from national minimum wage straight away, without having to complete the first year of an apprenticeship. This is more than the NMW for apprentices, and you don't have to be 19.

Our Apprenticeship scheme provides apprentices with a unique window into the range of career opportunities that working in local government has to offer.

Apprentices will be required to complete their apprenticeship and training before they apply for alternative permanent or fixed-term contract roles within the Council. We cannot automatically guarantee placement at the end of the program, however, you will gain valuable experience and learn the essential required skills for any role.