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Your Career and Development

Apprentice Awards and Achievements

Many Flintshire Trainees have gone on to receive local, regional and national recognition.

The Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Apprenticeship Awards are prestigious awards presented to the most enthusiastic apprentices, who show themselves to be innovative and focused on producing excellence in their service area. Up against peers from across the whole of the UK, it is a significant achievement for an apprentice to be announced as a shortlisted finalist.

In 2019 Flintshire had a particularly successful year.  A Flintshire apprentice painter and decorator reached the finals of the Building Skills category and not only one, but two, Streetscene operational apprentices reached the finals of the Streetscene category, with one pipping the other at the post to pick up the overall winner's trophy.

Trainee Awards

Gareth - Apprentice Painter and Decorator - Housing Asset Management - Finalist in the ‘Building Skills’ category

Trainee Awards 2

Adam - Streetscene Operational Apprentice - Overall Winner of the ‘Streetscene’ category

Trainee Awards 3

Matthew - Streetscene Operational Apprentice - Finalist in the ‘Streetscene’ category

Trainee Awards 4

Francesca - former graduate marketing apprentice - Winner of the Urdd Eisteddfod 2019 Learner Medal

The aim of the Urdd Learner Medal Competition is to reward an individual who is committed to learning Welsh and takes pride in their Welshness. It is awarded to an individual who demonstrates how they use the language on a day-to-day basis in college or work and socially as well as promoting and encouraging the Welsh language amongst others.

A former Flintshire Graduate Marketing apprentice beat off competition to be awarded winner of the Urdd Eisteddfod 2019 Learner Medal.

We even host our own Flintshire Trainee awards to recognise the development of our trainees and celebrate the progressive achievements of the Council’s intake of apprentices.  Nominations are put forward by course tutors, managers and assessors and competition is very high!

Question and Answers

Q and A 1

Sophie – Business Administration Apprentice – Revenues Department

Where did you see the apprenticeship advertised?

I was actively looking at job vacancy on the Flintshire County Council websites when I found the apprenticeship advert.  

What made you apply for the apprenticeship?

I applied for the position to become a Flintshire Trainee for Flintshire County Council as it was a great opportunity to get into administrative work. As my background was childcare I found it difficult moving careers due to my background, so when I saw this opportunity come up I went for it!

Describe a ‘typical day’ as an apprentice at Flintshire County Council.

My typical day at Flintshire County Council is to log onto my laptop and get up to date with my inbox and make a list of what I need to get that day. I then take calls from customers answering any queries and signpost them to the relevant departments.

How do you find the workplace/college balance?

I find the workplace/college balance to be very good. It’s great to be able to have one specific day a week for college work and keep on top of assignments.

What do you enjoy most about your apprenticeship?

What I enjoy most about being an apprentice is the friendships I’ve made both in college and in work. Everyone is very supportive and if you ever need any help with anything, there’s always someone there to help.

Is the apprenticeship what you expected?

The apprenticeship has a lot more to offer than what I expected. It’s great that corporate days are arranged for all apprentices to enjoy team building, problem solving, communication and much more. There’s also a big opportunity for other training. I would highly recommend you do a personal development plan and take up all the opportunities available. 

What are your ambitions for the future?

My ambitions for the future are to gain a permanent job within Flintshire and to hopefully become a manager of a department.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for an apprenticeship at Flintshire County Council?

My advice would be to anyone thinking of applying, just go for it! It’s an amazing opportunity for anyone at any age. You gain so much confidence as an employee and gain so much knowledge and experience. It was the best career decision for me.

Q and A 2

Tara – Business Administration Apprentice – Occupational Health Department

Where did you see the apprenticeship advertised?

I saw the advert on Careers Wales web site

What made you apply for the apprenticeship?

I was doing a Health and Social care course in college and I saw the advert. I noticed it mentioned a placement within Occupational Health. I decide to apply as I wasn’t sure which area in Health and Social Care I wanted to focus on. This gave me the opportunity of exploring one option.

Describe a ‘typical day’ as an apprentice at Flintshire County Council.

It is extremely busy but such a lovely environment, the whole team are very friendly and nice. They support me in everything I do and are so helpful. I make appointments for people. I upload data, receive and respond to email. Ensure data is accurate. I help people when they come in to see the nurses, counsellors and physiotherapists.

How do you find the workplace/college balance?

It is a stretch sometimes but achievable. However, my colleagues are so helpful in supporting me to complete assignments. I also get great support from my tutors at the college.

What do you enjoy most about your apprenticeship?

I love being in the workplace. I enjoy being in a team and I love helping employees who use the service. It is so rewarding.

Is the apprenticeship what you expected?

No not always. I didn’t think I would have my own responsibilities but I do. I have my own workload and do tasks independently.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I would really like to work in occupational health and become an OH Technician.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for an apprenticeship at Flintshire County Council?

Apply it is so rewarding. When I applied I didn’t think I would get an interview never mind the job. Have confidence in yourself and apply you won’t regret it.

Q and A 3

Ryan - Social Media and Digital Marketing Apprentice - Customer Services

Where did you see the apprenticeship advertised?

I found the apprenticeship advertised on Facebook – a friend had shared it

What made you apply for the apprenticeship?

I was coming to the end of my Politics degree and was really interested in a job in local government. I was always told training and development is an important part of a career, so I had no hesitation in applying for an apprenticeship.

Describe a ‘typical day’ as an apprentice at Flintshire County Council.

My typical day can include posting on the Council’s social media and updating the website. I work closely with different departments to manage the social media side of their campaigns and to update their sections of the website. I’ve even built the webpage you’re reading right now! 

How do you find the workplace/college balance?

I find the balance really manageable, my manager is very supportive and encourages me to set time aside for my college work and Welsh lessons if I need to.

What do you enjoy most about your apprenticeship?

What I enjoy most about my apprenticeship is working on different projects with different people and departments. Everyone I have worked with is so friendly and actively encourages me to get involved.

Is the apprenticeship what you expected?

Not at all – I knew there’d be a lot going on behind the scenes, but I didn’t expect that I’d be able to get so involved in everything! 

What are your ambitions for the future?

I’d like to continue working for the Council with the Communications team 

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for an apprenticeship at Flintshire County Council?

Apply! It’s a fantastic opportunity that will provide you with a great step forward.

Q and A 4

Robert – Administration Assistant Apprentice – Business Performance Section, Housing & Assets

Where did you see the apprenticeship advertised?

My business teacher told me about it and also my sister who works for the council. 

What made you apply for the apprenticeship?

I was told that the council was a great place to work with many opportunities within the council for progression which is correct. 

Describe a ‘typical day’ as an apprentice at Flintshire County Council.

A typical working day for me is a busy day but I am constantly learning new things every day I am in a great team who help me with everything I need, it is great because I am not treated any different to any other members of staff I am treated equally. 

How do you find the workplace/college balance?

I do enjoy the workplace/college balance as it breaks up the week and it is great because the more you learn in college it helps you in the workplace and improves your work and makes it a lot easier, it’s also a great way to make new friends who are in the same situation as you.

What do you enjoy most about your apprenticeship?

I love everything about my apprenticeship, I love my team which I am working in everyone is so eager to help with whatever I need but they are not afraid to give you responsibility which I think is great as I feel like a valued member and not less than anyone, which is great.

Is the apprenticeship what you expected?

My apprenticeship is so much better than I expected, I was expecting it to be good as everyone I had spoken to prior to getting the apprenticeship had told me how great of an opportunity it was, as there is a lot of room to grow. Everyone in my team is fantastic I couldn’t have asked for a better team.

What are your ambitions for the future?

My ambition for the future is to keep growing within the business, the first step would be to gain a permanent post and then keep progressing through the business.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for an apprenticeship at Flintshire County Council?

My advice to anyone thinking about applying for an apprenticeship is do it!  It’ll be the best decision you could make honestly I would recommend it to anyone as it will give you so many opportunities to progress throughout the business whilst also learning and earning.

Q and A 5

Rhys - Joinery Apprentice - Housing and Assets

Where did you see the apprenticeship advertised?

I was sent the trade apprentice opportunity by a family member online from the council's twitter page. 

What made you apply for the apprenticeship?

I applied for the apprenticeship as I have a family member who had an apprenticeship with the council who had great things to say. I was also looking to further my skills and take the next step in my career and this job role suited that perfectly, with the balance of still being able to go to college.

Describe a ‘typical day’ as an apprentice at Flintshire County Council.

A typical day in the council is practising your skill you are shown in work and at college to help complete jobs as a team. Work is always done to a deadline however things happen causing jobs to fall behind which mean you need to adapt and time manage your work and it is important not to stress or let this affect your personal life to give a good work life balance.

How do you find the workplace/college balance?

The workplace and college balance is great and highly manageable. I do 1 day a week in college and 4 days in work plus my NVQ work in my own time. 

What do you enjoy most about your apprenticeship?

In the apprenticeship I enjoy learning new skills and completing work to a high standard, meeting all the different people within the department. 

Is the apprenticeship what you expected?

The apprenticeship is better than I expected as I’m being given more opportunity to learn than I thought and progressing faster than I thought all down to the people I’m around and my motivation to make the most of the opportunity I’ve been given.

What are your ambitions for the future?

In the future with the council I would like to finish my NVQ level 2 and then do my NVQ level 3. After the 2 years doing that I would like to go on to a full time position doing joinery in the council.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for an apprenticeship at Flintshire County Council?

Apply you never know until you try if you will get an apprenticeship with Flintshire County Council however if you are worried about the interview stages and everything try not to as everyone along the way is very helpful and not there to trick you out and you can phone up at any time if you are unsure of what’s going on. 

Q and A 6

Molly - Degree Apprentice - Low Carbon Energy

"I had been looking for a degree apprenticeship after I had gained my A-levels as I was in full time work and wanted to stay working full time however I did want to gain a higher qualification. The work and learning is a good balance, I go to university one day a week and then I am in work the rest of the week. My boss is also understanding of the fact that I have assignments due which is very helpful and allows me to balance it a lot easier. My ambition is to finish my degree and become an engineer and use the knowledge and skills which I have developed within the council to move to a higher role in the council."

Trainee Quote 1

Lewys - IT Business

"Being a Flintshire apprentice is all about learning new skills and being in a work based environment. I love the corporate days as they bring all the apprentices closer and improve our teamwork skills."

Trainee Quote 2

Cameron - IT Trainee

“Being a Flintshire Trainee is really good because I learn new things every day and gain work skills along the way. Corporate days are great too as you get to meet new people in a similar position to you and get to gain important skills, like teamwork and communication skills.”