A group of new apprentices have joined the team at Great Yarmouth Borough Council, developing their professional skills and experience at a local authority which also has big plans for the future.

The five business administration apprentices, who all live in the borough, are each supporting one of five specific council services - human resources, finance, rent income, environmental services and executive support.

Over the course of a year, through on-the-job training and formal support at East Coast College, they are working to achieve the Intermediate Apprenticeship in Business Administration and develop their careers while supporting important public services.

Georgia Wells, aged 17, of Hopton, who is attached to executive support, is the youngest apprentice, having come straight from East Norfolk Sixth Form College.

She said: “The borough council is well known and well thought of, it’s a really good place to work. The skills you learn here you can take to so many different jobs, it sets you up for life.”

Leanne Skipper, of Gorleston, who works in HR, said: “I’m really looking forward to it because it’s a chance to start on a new journey with a great career in Great Yarmouth.”

Stephen Allen, of Bradwell, who works with the finance team and was previously a primary school teacher, said: “Having previously worked in the education sector, I am excited about this fantastic opportunity within the council to start a career in finance.”

Alex Howard, of Bradwell, has joined environmental services, said: “It’s a good career opportunity and Environmental Services is really interesting, working in lots of different areas.”

Shenique Mehmet-Ellis, who works in rent income and started in post before the others, said: “Coming here from London was a big change for me. I have been living in Great Yarmouth for three years now and this is my first job.

“I’ve been working for Great Yarmouth Borough Council for six months already and it has just flown by. I believe working for the council will open doors for my future and at the end of my apprenticeship I hope to have a permanent job within the council.”

Graham Plant, the council leader, said: “The council is really pleased to welcome these new apprentices, who will grow their skills, experience and careers, while supporting the delivery of vital public services in the borough in which they live. The council is an excellent employer, working on some exciting projects, and intends to recruit more apprentices, so please look out for opportunities on the National Apprenticeship Service website.”

The council’s apprenticeship opportunities are advertised at www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship