AROUND 240 young apprentices will get a chance to be hired by the local authority following a collaboration between South Gloucestershire Council and a local college.

Over the next four years, the district will work closely with South Gloucestershire and Stroud College in Filton to recruit around 60 students a year.

The partnership’s ultimate aim is to offer the best career start possible to young people between 16 and 24, by providing apprenticeship opportunities with the council and its suppliers in key areas such as housing, care, catering and street services. District Cllr John Goddard welcomed the new employment scheme.

"Apprenticeships can be a stepping stone for young people to break the cycle of long-term unemployment while learning new skills to equip them with a better chance of securing a job in the future," he said.

"Apprentices will not only work for the council, but we will be able to offer practical help to our suppliers to encourage them to find openings in their businesses to accommodate our young people."

Apprentices work under contract and gain the relevant qualifications through on-the-job learning, workplace support and college attendance.

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College principal Kevin Hamblin added that the partnership would allow his students not only to acquire the necessary skills in their field of expertise but to make a difference in the community.

He said: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with South Gloucestershire Council for their apprenticeship scheme.

"It is great news that so many young people will benefit from the scheme. We have very capable young people within South Gloucestershire who will make the most of these opportunities."

For more details on the scheme and apprenticeships in general contact Natalie Zullo at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College on 0117 909 2234 or at natalie.zullo@filton.ac.uk