Schools and the Community

The Council recognises and appreciates the dynamic that young staff bring to any organisation.

It is vital that younger people are encouraged to join the council and have careers that will not only create a more diverse workforce but will also help in filling increasing skills gaps. The Council has seen the need to be proactive in its approach at attracting and retaining young people by appointing Elaine Simpson to the post of Recruitment & Training Projects Officer.

Her ultimate goal is to see a significant increase in the number of young staff that are attracted to, employed and retained by the Council. A really important element of this is developing good working relationships with Schools and other youth organisations in the Borough to equip young people for the working environment.

Some of her work has included:

• The coordination of a government funded pilot Young Apprenticeship Scheme where year 10 students from Thomas Alleyne School are having extended work experience placements at different Units across SBC whilst completing an NVQ in Business Administration.
• Organising and participating in interactive sessions on Application & Interviewing Skills for year 12 students from Heathcote School, and students from The Marriotts School.
• Presentations to A Level Business students from Barnwell School doing projects on Human Resource Departments within large organisations.
• Council Tour to students from Greenside School as part of their ‘Work Awareness’ week.

This is just the beginning of some very good links which staff in Human Resources and across the council have made a real commitment to developing.

Teachers and students have given positive feedback about the valuable work taking place and are happy that the Council is dedicated to expanding activities in the coming school year.

Contact Elaine on 01438 242222 if you want more information or if you have a project that you would like the Council to be involved in.

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