Are you the next Apprentice?

The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) is giving Southend-on-Sea Borough Council a £227,000 grant to part-fund up to 50% of the first year salary of 72 apprentices in the Public Sector.

Apprentices must be from the Southend area, employed in the Public Sector in Southend and on an apprenticeship framework before 31st March 2011.

The average pay per apprentice will begin at £5,720 per year, of which maximum 50% will come from EEDA funding for the first year of employment.

Apprentices under 19 will have their training fully funded by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS). Those over 19 will have their training partly funded, with the rest of the cost covered by the employer.

Executive Councillor for Children and Learning, Councillor Roger Hadley says: "Since receiving confirmation in July of this funding, the scheme has already attracted interest from a number of schools and public sector areas and provisionally 20 apprenticeship places have been identified.

"This is a great way of gaining some valuable members of our workforce, and gives a chance to really revitalise teams in certain areas. I am sure that it will be a great success for all involved."

There are a range of different apprenticeship opportunities available within the Public Sector in Southend. These include School Technicians in Performing Arts, Design and Technology and Science, Maintenance Service, IT Support, Business Administration and Hospitality are just some of the opportunities available to young people.

Apprenticeships are an excellent opportunity for young people to develop new skills and progress in their working life through a training process directly related to their chosen field.

For further information about the scheme please contact the 14-19 Adviser on 01702 215007 or email council@southend.gov.uk.