Laura recognised as apprenticeship rising star
Next round of Council apprentice recruitment starts next month
The latest round of recruitment to apprenticeship roles at Eastleigh Borough Council gets under way next month - and an apprentice at the authority has been rubbing shoulders with the person at the top of her chosen profession.
Laura Payne is a specialist in the authority’s Revenues Tax team and is working towards a qualification as an IRRV Technician Qualification Level 4. She was recently selected from her cohort of apprentices to attend the Institute of Revenues Rating & Valuation spring conference with the organisation’s Chief Executive, David Magor (pictured).
Laura, who attended Mountbatten Secondary School in Romsey, is focusing on council tax and business rates in her coursework. Her final qualification, which is highly regarded in its field, has a demanding workload but could open the doors to a Local Taxation Manager position, or work in the sector as a consultant.
Laura is one of several existing employees who have taken on an apprenticeship whilst already working for Eastleigh Borough Council . This provides the Council with valuable additional skills and leads to professional qualifications for the individuals concerned.
We also offer a range of apprenticeships to school and college leavers, with new areas potentially coming on-stream this year, including audit, IT desktop and project management. The authority’s customer services apprenticeship is now in its second year and previous placements have been offered for vehicle maintenance, horticulture, business administration and paralegal.
Being an apprentice at Eastleigh Borough Council offers an exciting opportunity to earn money while gaining a nationally-recognised qualification and achieving career ambitions through specific, on-the-job training. The salary offered at Eastleigh is above the apprentice minimum wage and benefits include 22 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, staff discounts and an employee support line.
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Business, Councillor Derek Pretty said: “It is great news that Laura is doing so well in her apprenticeship. We have some excellent opportunities for proactive and keen individuals to join the Council’s apprenticeship scheme, and we offer an enjoyable place to work, in a supportive environment. As an Eastleigh Borough Council apprentice you'll be allocated a mentor and a workplace buddy, and surrounded by colleagues who really want you to succeed.”
Candidates can apply for an apprenticeship while still at school or college. To find out more visit www.eastleigh.gov.uk/apprenticeships .