Ashford approves undergraduate work placement and bursary scheme for career in local government

Press release

11 January 2019

Ashford Borough Council's Cabinet have approved the introduction of an undergraduate work placement and bursary scheme.

The scheme aims to support a local person to develop their career by providing a good quality work placement as well as financial assistance for their studies.

Young people may not have considered local government as a place where they could build a career. Ashford has already turned this preconception on its head with a successful graduate programme alongside apprenticeships and year-long placements. It is now turning its attention to undergraduates with this innovative scheme, the first of its kind amongst local authorities in Kent.

Going to university is a big financial commitment which can create strain on families and may result in compromises on course and location of study to keep costs down. The council's scheme will provide a summer work placement that will support their studies, along with a bursary of up to £3,000 to a local undergraduate student for each year of their studies (up to a maximum of four years).

Applications will open this spring with the first successful candidate commencing their placement within our Planning department this summer. Each year a new undergraduate will be taken on within a different department across the organisation.

Cllr Alan Pickering, portfolio holder for HR and Customer Services said: "I am very much in support of this scheme as an investment in our community and the excellent opportunity it will provide for our young residents.

"This scheme will set Ashford apart as a place where local talent can develop their career and we are excited to watch our successful candidates grow and be a part of their journey."

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Notes for editors

For further information contact:

Darren Laws
Public relations issued on behalf of Ashford Borough Council
Tel: 01634 671167
Darren.laws@zesttheagency.com
www.ashford.gov.uk