Marlborough Town Council has taken on two apprentices – Emma Cook and Matt Powell – in a move that could be ground-breaking for any public sector body anywhere in the UK.
Matt and Emma will bring both a valuable resource to the Town Council along with a younger perspective to how the Council addresses the needs of the Marlborough community. At the same time they will have the opportunity to learn, with practical expertise at an early stage in their careers whilst their new roles will enable them to work toward their qualifications.
Town Clerk Richard Spencer-Williams is clear that they will bring something new and of a different perspective to the Council team and, already, after a few weeks they are making a difference.
The apprenticeships are for an eighteen month period. Emma has joined as a Level 3 (A level equivalent) Information Officer Apprentice whilst Matt has joined as a Level 6 (Degree level) Youth Worker Apprentice.
Emma’s apprenticeship is a partnership with New College Swindon where she attends one day each week. Matt’s goal is qualification as a JNC recognised Level 6 Youth Worker. like for Emma one day each week is devoted to studies and he will graduate with a degree in youth work on completion of the programme.
Both Matt and Emma see their new roles as real opportunities to further what they want to do.
Matt says; “I’m incredibly grateful to Marlborough Council for investing in me and providing the opportunity to pursue a three-year degree in Youth Work. This will help me grow in my role and provide the best possible service to the young people of Marlborough. With all the resources available to me, I am excited for what the future holds and can’t wait to see how we can work together to create something special in the coming months and years ahead.”
Emma notes: “Alongside the college course I am learning many skills that I will be able to take into any future job role; this opportunity has given me a better understanding of what my future career could look like, and with the technical abilities I am learning through this apprenticeship, it has become more attainable.”
The Town Council pays the salaries for both apprentices. The training costs are supported by Wiltshire Council and New College Swindon, and Town Clerk Richard is clear in expressing the Town Council’s thanks to both bodies.