Give feedback on this pageDenbighshire's Modern Apprenticeship Scheme - Calvin
I started with Denbighshire County Council in 2003. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, but I wanted to work within an office environment. I saw an advert in my local newspaper for a Modern Apprenticeship with Denbighshire County Council. I thought that this was a great opportunity to get into the Council and gain office experience at the same time.
When you are a Modern Apprentice you move to a different department every 6 months over a two year period. I was a modern apprentice for two years and during that time I went to four different departments. The first department was ICT (Information, Communication, and Technology). The team deals with everything to do with computerised systems from ordering cabling to installing new software. I learnt a lot about ICT systems and how ICT systems work across the County. The second placement was with the Social Services Training team internal training officers hold training courses specifically for Social Service staff on topic ranging from Healthier Me to the Protection of Vulnerable Adults. I helped to arrange these internal courses for Denbighshire staff to attend. The third placement was with Public Protection here I dealt mainly with telephone calls from the public regarding Environmental Health issues and also Trading Standard issues. The final department was the Compliance Team, they deal with Housing Benefit overpayments and with Fraud issues. I helped to directed calls and answer telephone queries.
During my placements within the four different teams I gained valuable administrative experience including; typing, faxing, photocopying, greeting clients and dealing with telephone enquiries. Whilst I was on the Modern Apprenticeship Scheme I applied for various jobs that I was interested in. I was successful in gaining a permanent job in the role of Administration Assistant within the Social Services Department. I had been in my current position for two years when I applied for a job in the Finance Department. I was successful and I now work part time for the Finance team and part time in my Administrative role.
Since working for Denbighshire County Council I have been on various courses and I have completed an NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration. I am currently completing an NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration. The Modern Apprenticeship Scheme is a brilliant way to gain relevant qualifications to your role and to increase your chances of securing a permanent position, in the Council or elsewhere. I would recommend the Denbighshire Scheme to anyone interested in working for the Local Authority.