A staggering  3,000  apprentices have been recruited by Essex County Council in just five years.

 

The local authority began running apprenticeship programmes in 2009 and this month visited its 3,000th apprentice, Paige Hughes.

 

The 18-year-old is working at Allwag Promotions, in Hatfield Peveral, a distributor of printed promotional merchandise, business gifts and corporate clothing, and completing her apprenticeship in social and digital media.

 

Paige, from Shenfield, says: “I started sixth form, but I decided it really wasn’t for me. I was really keen to start work, but wanted to keep learning. I found out about apprenticeships and thought one would be perfect for me as I could start work, but still gain my qualifications. A lot of young people think the only route after school is college and then uni, but an apprenticeship is a great alternative.

 

“I love that I can come to work each day and gain real work experience, rather than sit in a lecture. I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to other young people. I was really surprised at the different ones that were available.

 

“I’m doing mine in social and digital media marketing. I feel by doing the apprenticeship I’m getting a head start.”

 

Paige’s manager and director at Allwag promotions, Angela Wagstaff says the company took on two apprentices last year, both of whom are now permanent full-time employees. She says: “Businesses can benefit greatly from taking on an apprentice. Not only are they low cost to the business, more importantly, they bring new and innovative ideas as well as an objective view on things.

 

“We are delighted to welcome Paige to our team. We are also pleased to have helped Essex County Council support their 3,000th apprentice into employment.”

 

APPRENTICE ROADSHOW

 

This  week marks the third week of Essex County Council’s Guess Who...Could Be Our Next Apprentice roadshow.

 

The roadshow is visiting 40 schools and educational establishments across the county over the next two months to promote the careers people can get into through apprenticeships. The council admits it is thrilled it has recruited so many apprentices in such a short space of time.

 

Councillor responsible for economic growth and infrastructure, Kevin Bentley said: “College and university is not for every young person and that’s why we are committed to promoting alternatives like apprenticeships, which offer real life work experience. I wish Paige all the luck in her new role and look forward to celebrating apprentice number 4,000.”

 

For more details, visit essex.gov.uk/essexapprentice