Senior Maintenance Manager, Maintenance and Contracts

"Louis completed his apprenticeship with us as a Carpenter. During his apprenticeship he learnt from experienced trades personnel within IBC. He learnt all of the health and safety procedures and safe systems of work and gained many skills which only knowledge can pass on, in addition to the satisfaction of passing a City and Guilds qualification with distinction. He learned the mechanics of how the Council works and also how to carry out the works required to IBC standard.

He is a credit to the apprenticeship system and was successfully recruited as a full-time Carpenter after his apprenticeship. IBC have gained by being able to employ someone whom I am sure will be an asset to the organisation.

Zach was an electrical apprentice with IBC. He too learned how IBC works and completed his apprenticeship with work of a high standard. All of the above applies to Zach. Zach gained a professional qualification allowing him to now carry out electrical works. He too applied for an Electrician position at IBC and was successfully recruited to this full-time post. He too will be an asset to IBC, having already built positive working relationships within our workforce.

Both Louis and Zach are extremely good examples of how apprenticeships make a difference at Ipswich Borough Council. As young people starting their careers with IBC whilst learning, they already have good knowledge to move forward in their careers as their apprenticeship comes to an end. Their positive attitude and willingness to help and learn also has a positive effect on their colleagues. IBC are committed to helping apprentices to progress their career with us."

Head of Shared Revenues Partnership

"We have welcomed seven Apprentices into the Shared Revenues Partnership over the last seven years. As an employer, it’s a great way of bringing in young people with the enthusiasm to learn new skills. As a service we have benefitted from the apprentices bringing a fresh perspective to everything we do. We can support the apprentice to learn new skills creating the opportunity to further their career within the public sector. It’s been pleasing to see several of our apprentices gaining permanent positions within the shared service, with some subsequently gaining further promotions. They are also now passing on the skills they have learnt to others."

Head of ICT

"My service has employed four ICT Apprentices over recent years: They have each learned key ICT and Service Desk skills whilst gaining industry-specific computer and telephony systems qualifications. Our ICT Service Desk Apprentices bring energy, enthusiasm and an eye for technical detail to the team, and this benefits all our service users. Two former ICT Apprentices are still working within the Council, having gained several promotions since completing their apprenticeships."

Head of Major Capital Schemes 

“Grace joined Major Capital Schemes whilst undertaking her degree studies as a valued member of the team. Grace has embedded herself within our Repair and Maintenance section focussing on working with the building surveyors undertaking site surveys, repair investigations, project feasibilities and emergency repairs. By having Grace within the team she increased capacity, brought a fresh pair of eyes to the department and was unafraid to ask 'why?'. As her experience and technical knowledge grows she will be able to take a leading role in works and project delivery enabling the team to deliver more swiftly our work programmes.

We have recently welcomed James as our Corporate Estate Engineer Apprentice. Working alongside building services professionals, James is starting his IBC career with an Apprenticeship in Building Services Engineering, and will focus on the design and maintenance of the systems that keep our buildings performing effectively through efficient heating, ventilation, water and energy management to maintain a comfortable environment while supporting our carbon reduction plans in our journey towards Carbon Neutrality."

HR Officer, Human Resources

"One of my favourite parts of my role is managing our Apprentices within HR. Hiring apprentices is a productive and effective way for us to grow talent, develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. I’ve even started a Management Development Programme Apprenticeship myself last year."