Meet some of the apprentices who work for Ipswich Borough Council:
Leo | Apprentice Town Planning Technician
I joined Ipswich Borough Council as an Apprentice Town Planning Technician about 6 months ago and I’m really enjoying it so far. Planning is a really interesting area; I love finding out about the factors that make a neighbourhood or town successful and what problems come up in making that a reality. I’ve always lived in and around Ipswich so it makes the work I participate in that much more relevant – I can follow applications through the planning process to seeing them built.
The course I’m on is a two-year Level 4 course accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute. It not only provides me with a good understanding of the background and inner workings of the planning system, but it also means that if I choose to become a Chartered Town Planner, I’ve already taken the first step. I attend online class for one day a week and catch up weekly with my mentor, who is doing a higher apprenticeship too.
The amount of support I get for my learning, both within and extra to my apprenticeship, has surprised me. I am encouraged to ask questions, attend seminars and come to meetings to learn more. When a particular project grabs my interest, it’s great that I’m encouraged to follow my interest and get stuck in. The environment is overall very welcoming and I feel that my input and ideas are valued, even though I don’t have much experience yet.
The planning department is quite varied in their responsibilities and tasks and with this apprenticeship I’ve been able to spend some time with each team. My manager has lined up when I move teams with what topic I’m studying which is very helpful in contextualising what I’m learning. Being able to spend time with each team is invaluable to me because I love knowing how things work and it means I can better understand where I want to go in my career.
Conah | Parks Grounds Maintenance
I’m in my second year of my Horticulture and Landscape Operative Apprenticeship with the Parks team at Ipswich Borough Council. Starting this Apprenticeship has been a complete career change for me and over the last year I’ve felt more confident that working outside with nature is the right path for me. Being able to work in Chantry Park and the surrounding areas every day is fantastic, I really enjoy working with nature, learning new skills every week, and working alongside some really knowledgeable colleagues. During my time I have planted flower beds for the Benet Aldred House, helped build a play area in Holywells Park, maintained rose beds in Chantry and Bourne Park, and helped wildlife rangers plant wild flower banks. The sense of giving something back to the community and helping out the environment is enormous and I would encourage anyone who has an interest in nature or is looking to change paths to have a conversation with the team and get involved with the apprenticeship scheme.
Jordan | Business Support Apprentice, Shared Revenues Partnership
My apprenticeship with Ipswich Borough Council has benefited me greatly, as it has allowed me to learn lots in an unfamiliar field. I have also learnt about the varying services the Council provides. This role has provided me with lots of opportunities to learn many different skills and work with a range of different people.
The Council’s apprenticeship scheme is very good as it allows for people who have not entered a corporate environment before to gain the necessary skills, enabling young people join our workforce.
I found this role through a family member who had seen an advertisement for the position online.
I thought the job description was very interesting as I enjoy learning about how we maintain our systems as well enjoying learning many skills which will benefit me in my professional career.
Tom | Maintenance and Contracts
I am doing an apprenticeship with Ipswich borough council to become an electrician. At the end of the apprenticeship I will be a fully qualified electrician with a life-long career. I found out about the opportunity from an online advert, the application process was very easy to follow, I was selected for an interview and was lucky enough to get offered the job.
Since starting, I have had a great time learning the trade with great mentors. I've learnt many additional skills separate from the trade itself, such as time management and important people skills from working with both customers and colleagues. Throughout my time working for IBC I have been well supported with practical skills whilst at work plus help with the theory that I learn at college.
I would recommend an apprenticeship with Ipswich Borough Council to anybody who feels an apprenticeship is the path they want to take.
There are many benefits you receive whilst working as an apprentice at Ipswich Borough Council.