Team Manager, ICT
Apprenticeships have been really productive for ICT and we currently have former IBC apprentices working in all three of our ICT Teams. They now manage service desk teams as well as various aspects of ICT from maintaining corporate storage systems to essential databases. The knowledge gained during their learning modules continues to support their roles within their new teams and into their future careers.
Our current apprentice is very much part of the service desk team and provides help and support for the team as well as new and existing users. They ensure that new devices are suitable for their specific needs and guides them through the process of how best to use them. In their role they manage a busy call queue which often requires them to research solutions to new problems and helps users with varying levels of ICT knowledge. We are pleased with how quickly they have developed their knowledge and understanding of how the team functions.
Head of Planning
The integration of apprentices into the planning department has significantly enhanced the professional development of existing staff members by providing valuable mentoring opportunities.
As seasoned professionals take on the role of mentors, they not only share their expertise and knowledge with apprentices but also refine their own leadership and communication skills. This reciprocal learning environment fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, where mentors are encouraged to reflect on their practices and adapt their approaches to better support the growth of their apprentices. Consequently, this experience not only benefits the apprentices but also contributes to the overall effectiveness and cohesion of the planning department.
Moreover, the presence of apprentices has invigorated the planning department with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, prompting staff to engage in more dynamic discussions and problem-solving processes. As mentors guide apprentices through real-world projects, they are challenged to think critically and creatively, which can lead to improved project outcomes and enhanced departmental efficiency. This mentorship model not only aids in the professional development of both apprentices and staff but also strengthens the department's capacity to adapt to changing demands and challenges in the planning landscape.
Ultimately, the apprenticeship programme has proven to be a mutually beneficial initiative that cultivates a skilled workforce while fostering a supportive and growth-oriented environment within the planning department.
Head of Shared Revenues Partnership
Jordan and Sampson, our latest Apprentices are already getting to grips with supporting the Partnership.
Several of our previous apprentices have been successful in gaining permanent positions with us. Georgie, Conor, Courtney, Lisa and Paul, all gained permanent positions towards the end of their Apprenticeships and are flourishing in their new roles within the team.
I am pleased to say that the development does not stop at being appointed to a permanent position. Both Paul and Conor have been promoted and have taken on the challenge of further studies. Paul is currently undertaking a professional qualification, IRRV Level 4 apprenticeship. Conor has just completed a Level 3 Management Development Apprenticeship, achieving a distinction.
Although the apprentices have benefited from the support of SRP, SRP have also benefited from offering apprenticeships. The transfer of knowledge through apprenticeships has allowed experienced professionals to pass on their knowledge and skills to the next generation, ensuring that valuable expertise is preserved within the organisation. Through workforce development the apprenticeships help in building a skilled workforce tailored to the specific needs of SRP. They are also bringing a fresh perspective, bringing new ideas and perspectives into the workplace.
In summary it’s a two-way relationship with both the apprentice and organisation benefiting. Through supporting the apprenticeship scheme and creating opportunities for development and promotion, we are creating the future leaders from within.
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 had a rolling programme of employing an ICT Service Desk Apprentice since 2013. Our ICT Service Desk Apprentices bring energy, enthusiasm and an eye for technical detail to the team, and this benefits all our service users. Such is their quality, that after their 18-month Apprenticeship term, many of the apprentices have been subsequently employed in full time roles as part of the ICT team - several have now gone on to have successful careers within Ipswich Borough Council.
"Apprenticeships have been a huge asset for ICT, we have had success in combining their training with on-the-job experience so that they are able to fulfil a very productive role - to the benefit of all. The knowledge gained during their learning modules continues to support their roles within their new teams and into their future careers."
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."