These are just a few members of staff who started their careers with Ipswich Borough Council as apprentices. Look where they are now!
Curtis | Craft Apprentice, promoted to Painter and Decorator
A Craft Apprenticeship with Ipswich Borough Council is a rewarding opportunity as it creates the foundations for pursuing a career within construction. I have recently qualified from a Painting and Decorating Apprenticeship with Ipswich Borough Council and I have learnt a lot during my time here so far.
Progressing through a Craft Apprenticeship, you are able to work alongside various other qualified tradesmen, with many coming from different backgrounds and you can also see how the different trades all work together in their own way towards tbe same goal.
Everyone on the team has a different way of approaching tasks, so you get to learn and develop different methods of achieving the same result, which only furthers your knowledge and makes it easier to overcome any problems if/when they arrive. Working towards a Painting and Decorating qualification, I was able to to learn and understand different products/materials and tools that are required on the job to complete day-to-day tasks both for the role in the council but also how the role of a painter and decorator may vary within different companies. This has meant they have been supportive in my post qualification progression, so that I know I have a role at the council that I can continue progressing in, but also that I have the skills required if I also needed to look elsewhere for career options.
Ipswich Borough Council prides itself in it's Apprenticeships, and they have provided me with support at each step of the qualification. Their Apprenticeship Development Programme allows Apprentices from across the Council (including Craft Apprentices) to come together and interact while getting to understand the importance of various different sectors across the Organisation.
Lisa | Business Support Apprentice, promoted to Systems and Data Control Officer
"I was made redundant from my previous role I was looking for a job that was secure with a low risk of redundancy. The range of job roles within Ipswich Borough Council also really appealed to me, and I think that my apprenticeship will be a good starting block from which I can explore a variety of career options. Serving my community was also a big reason to join IBC as I like helping people and making a difference to their lives. Lisa has completed her Apprenticeship with distinction, and has also secured a permanent role in the Revenues team.
Completing an apprenticeship at Ipswich Borough Council has allowed me to completely change my career path. I have been able to learn, work and earn simultaneously which has been an invaluable experience. With the support of my colleagues, assessors and the Apprentice Development Programme I have learnt a wide range of important skills such as time management, business communications and project delivery.
Now I have finished my apprenticeship in Business Administration I have gained a permanent role at Ipswich Borough Council, where I continue to develop my skills and learn new processes. I would recommend completing an apprenticeship at Ipswich Borough Council to anybody wanting to change their careers and try something new within a supportive and engaging environment."
Krista | HR Apprentice, promoted to Payroll Assistant
"Deciding to do an apprenticeship was one of the best career choices I have made. Going to University didn’t seem like the best financial option for me, so being able to earn whilst gaining a qualification and receiving first-hand experience was a great benefit. My apprenticeship has supplied me with a wealth of skills and knowledge including, problem solving, HR policies and legislation, recruitment, payroll, learning and development, emotional intelligence plus more. Throughout my apprenticeship I have been able to get involved with many projects that I am passionate about which has really allowed my qualities to shine through. The support I have received has been incredible and has really helped build my confidence and put myself forward for new challenges. It has given me the tools to be able to secure a permanent role at IBC, and I am really looking forward to continuing my professional development with a great company."
Lewis | Health & Wellbeing Apprentice, promoted to Business Support Officer
Lewis started his apprenticeship in the Health and Wellbeing team in August 2021. Lewis completed his Business Administrator Apprenticeship with a Distinction, and has since moved to a Business Support role in Public Protection, where he continues his career at IBC.
Read more about Lewis' Apprenticeship (PDF)
Stephen | Grounds Maintenance, promoted to Parks Operative
I have chosen an apprenticeship with IBC as I have lived in Ipswich all of my life, given me that familiarity in the environment that makes me more confident to apply, and for their variety of job roles that caught my eye and help spread my opinions in what role I wanted to go for.
Stephen has since gained promotion to the role of Parks Operative, allowing him to grow his career within IBC while completing his Apprenticeship...
Read Stephen's full story (PDF)