Kirklees Council is taking on a record number of apprentices this year, doubling the number of opportunities available across the Homes & Neighbourhoods service.

There will be 22 trade and office apprenticeship positions available within the service in 2022-23, covering opportunities ranging from plumbers, electricians and joiners to ‘green doctors’ helping tenants access affordable warmth and tackle the climate emergency.

This is a significant rise from 11 apprenticeship places which were allocated within the service last year and comes as an additional boost to the council’s existing apprenticeship schemes.

The new paid positions will be advertised from March and are open to anyone, from school leavers to those wanting to upskill or embark on new careers.

Clr Cathy Scott, Cabinet member for housing and democracy, said: “Apprenticeships are an essential part of the Kirklees Council recruitment programme, and this year being able to offer more opportunities means many more people can benefit and establish a career with us.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to learn valuable skills on the job whilst at the same time earning a wage.

Clr Cathy Scott

“Our previous apprentices have made such a positive contribution to the council’s workforce, and many have gone on to flourish in their careers with us.

“We are pleased to be able to offer our high-quality apprenticeships to more people this year to provide them with the skills that will last a lifetime.”

A structured learning programme eases every apprentice into their role, with on-the-job learning, mentor-support and study-time allowances to enable them to gain nationally-recognised qualifications.

Daniel Mason, now an assistant team leader in Building Services, started his journey with the council as an apprentice joiner in 2009. He said: “I have never looked back since I filled in my application form to be a Kirklees apprentice all those years ago.

“I started out as a joiner and successfully completed my apprenticeship and secured permanent employment three years later. I have since progressed along a career path and was promoted in 2009 to be an assistant team leader of 36 staff.

“What I enjoyed most about the apprenticeship was the fact that it is a structured programme, where you are learning and shadowing an experienced colleague, before the hand-holding comes to an end and you are able to do the tasks independently.

“It is a wonderful feeling when you do your first job on your own, as you realise how far you have come since joining. As a career option, I would recommend apprenticeships with the council.”

All apprentice vacancies will be advertised online on the council’s vacancies page from March 2022, with interview shortlists drawn up in April. Those interested can set up a job alert at https://bit.ly/3Gvv9DJ.