The essential journalist news source
Back
9.
March
2018.
Cardiff Council cleans-up with double award for waste apprenticeship scheme

TheQuality Skills Alliance, which celebrates the success and achievements of apprentices and their employer's, has awarded Cardiff Council's Waste Management with two accolades at this year's prestigious awards.

During National Apprenticeship Week (March 5th-9th), the local authority has won best "Employer of the Year"and Street Cleansing Operative Michael Thomas has been awarded first prize for "Sector Apprentice of the Year".

Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "Cardiff Council is committed to delivering and promoting apprenticeships, ensuring that individuals have access to opportunities in training, employment and further education when leaving school.

"These awards not only demonstrate the hard work from our apprentices but also of our staff and managers, whose encouragement and support ensures that individuals can develop and achieve within the workplace."

Cabinet Member for Clean Streets, Recycling and Environment, Cllr Michael Michael said: "This is an excellent result and great recognition for the efforts of the waste supervisor and management teams in supporting learners to undertake their apprenticeships.

"As well as investing in people to make sure they are equipped with the skills to provide an excellent service, the Council is also investing in resources to provide our front-line work force with the latest equipment in order to keep up with the industries growing use of technology.

"These awards are also an opportunity to showcase Cardiff Council's commitment and contribution to apprenticeships and training across the organisation.

Michael Thomas was nominated by his supervisor for the positive changes he has made since being on the apprenticeship scheme.

 

Neighbourhood Services Refuse Supervisor for Cardiff Council, Lee Jones said: "Tutors have seen an increase in Michael's confidence, he has gained essential skills and appears more relaxed, happy and helpful towards colleagues.

"The experience will help to improve Michaels work prospects and in doing so give him the confidence to carry out more training and education in the future."

Cardiff Council was nominated for the award by Safe and Secure Training, a partner who delivers the Sustainable Resource Management Apprenticeship scheme in Waste Management.

Safe and Secure Training Project Manager, Dan Costello said: "Cardiff Council has shown nothing but support to help their colleagues engage in further learning, after potentially leaving education with little or no qualifications.

"This includes recommending the Sustainable Resource Management apprenticeship to all employees they believe would see a benefit for completing one. Also, Cardiff Council have helped organise open days for anyone thinking about partaking in an apprenticeship where all questions could be answered on a one-to-one basis."