These are just a few members of staff who started their careers with Ipswich Borough Council as apprentices. Look where they are now!

Daniel | Corporate Support Officer

"I joined IBC back in July 2018 after leaving Copleston Sixth Form, I joined as a Corporate Support apprentice and undertook the Level 2 Business Administration Course and it turned out to be a great choice! I learnt many important skills which I will use throughout my career. I feel the apprenticeship helped me grow in confidence which was has helped me become more of a valued member of my team. 

IBC were great in supporting me when applying for a full time job and so in January (2020) I began my Corporate Support Officer role and I have been given plenty more responsibilities which feels great. Completing my Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship programme really helped me in my current role by introducing me to working with other areas within the council. It helped me gain confidence in my own ability to get a job done and the course included you taking the lead on a certain project which was great experience."

Emily | Customer Service Apprentice

"During my apprenticeship at Ipswich Borough Council my confidence has dramatically improved. At the start of my apprenticeship, I probably would've found presenting to a group of people daunting, but now this is no longer the case, I now find myself comfortable presenting and speaking up, and I feel my apprenticeship has significantly contributed towards this skill. 

Those I have worked with have also been an important part of my apprenticeship journey, they have made my journey enjoyable and have given me the space to progress from the moment I joined the team. I appreciate the effort made by all colleagues I have had a chance to work with, and for making me feel welcome and ensuring I was involved in and given opportunities to contribute towards various projects. 

After completing my BTEC Level 2 and 3 in Business Administration, I had managed to secure a permanent role with Ipswich Borough Council. I have been in this Performance and Projects role just over a year, which I am still thoroughly enjoying. This is why I believe apprenticeships are worth considering as it has given me an opportunity to continue my career path, whilst still learning and experiencing new skills on a day to day basis."

Ellie | Catering/Bar Coordinator

"Hello, I’m Ellie. I was previously an Ipswich Borough Council Apprentice for the Customer Services department. During my time as an Apprentice I thoroughly enjoyed gaining hands on experience in a working environment whilst also moving towards achieving an apprenticeship qualification in the course I was studying. My Apprenticeship experience not only allowed me to come away with two qualifications that will help me in my career progression but has had a positive impact on my progression as an individual.

This apprenticeship allowed me to adapt and find new skills which I can use on the job, as well as in the future. These skills ranging from improving my computer skills and becoming more familiar with using different types of software like the Microsoft packages, or helping to improve my confidence in experiencing project meetings with other departments across the council. As an Apprentice I felt I was treated as a valuable member of the team, it allowed me to work in a fast-paced environment, whilst being able to learn and prioritise my workload. Ipswich Borough Council has great team environments and as an Apprentice I felt I received great experience from the first day I started."

Will | Finance Apprentice, promoted to Business Support Accountant

"After completing sixth form, I was offered a place to study a degree in Accounting and Finance at University. However, I had always swayed more towards doing an apprenticeship as it offered a better platform for studying whilst also gaining real job experience. I then come across an apprentice position in the Financial Services department on the IBC website whilst browsing job websites. The three years of my apprenticeship gave me excellent insight into how to provide financial and administrative support to other services across the council. I gained experience working in teams such as Management Accounting, Treasury, Banking & Income, and Procure to Pay, which allowed me to gain a broader understanding of accounting and the financial consultancy service. In January 2021, I also gained full member status of the association of accounting technicians (MAAT) through the apprenticeship.

Since completing my apprenticeship, I have been successful in being promoted to a Business Support Accountant and support services areas by providing high quality budgetary advice to enable these areas to adhere to allocated budgets. I have also continued with my studies by undertaking the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) on a level 7 apprenticeship programme; this will enable me to gain full chartered status in accountancy. I highly recommend an IBC apprenticeship; as it would allow you to build upon your theoretical skills with a professional qualification whilst also gaining vital practical work experience in a council service which creates an excellent foundation to build upon a successful career."