YOUNGSTERS can get a step onto the career ladder with a range of new apprenticeships Test Valley Borough Council has launched a recruitment drive for its apprenticeship scheme.

New apprentices will have the chance to earn while they learn and they will get a starting salary of £4.68 an hour while they work towards an NVQ qualification.

They will also be allocated a mentor while they gain experience working at the council.

And when they are not at work they will take part in a monthly skills programme and work on a range of projects with other apprentices.

The apprenticeship opportunities are in departments including finance, human resources, housing, environmental health, revenues and customer services.

Among the council’s current apprentices is Dan Weeks who is in his second year of a business administration apprenticeship.

The 20-year-old from Andover said: “I really liked the idea of learning while working. I studied IT for two years at Andover College so the chance to start an apprenticeship made perfect sense.

“The staff are incredibly helpful and I would recommend Test Valley Borough Council as a place to work.”

Council leader Cllr Ian Carr added: “Test Valley Borough Council is committed to supporting people to develop their careers. The opportunities are open to anyone who wishes to study and work at the same time, so we would ask anyone who is interested to submit an application. I am looking forward to welcoming new apprentices to the council.”

Test Valley Borough Council is looking for people with at least five GCSEs at grade C or above including maths and English or equivalent qualifications. However, some opportunities are available for new apprentices who have fallen short of the grades.

Anyone interested in becoming an apprentice should apply before September 5.

Interviews are planned for September 14 and 15.

For more information call customer relationship manager Paula Staff on 01264 368938, email RHR@testvalley.gov.uk or visit testvalley.gov.uk/aboutyourcouncil/corporatedirection/jobs/apprentices.