West Norfolk council leader Brian Long met five of the council's apprentices to congratulate them on their success and mark National Apprenticeship Week.

Apprentices currently employed by the council include Chloe Drew, council information centre apprentice; Lauren Steele, council information centre apprentice; Jenna Pell, democratic services apprentice; Paul Flynn, IT apprentice and Louise Reeve, horticultural apprentice. All have successfully completed an 18-month apprenticeship. The council has been involved with the apprenticeship scheme since 2012.

Mr Long said 'I'd like to congratulate these five outstanding young people on successfully completing their apprenticeships. I meet them regularly during the course of their work, and I've always been impressed by how hard they work and how keen they are to learn. The council benefits as an employer from having enthusiastic motivated people in the workplace, and our apprentices benefit from the wealth of skills and knowledge their colleagues can share with them.'

Kathy Mellish, the council's cabinet member for human resources,said: 'I think that apprenticeships are one of the best ways to learn, from the grass roots, learning from colleagues and gaining workplace experience.'

Louise Reeve said: 'I have learned loads, all complete aspects of nursery and propagation work, really gained confidence and skills regarding communication and team work.

'I have gained full time employment at a commercial nursery which starts in March, looking forward to my new challenges.

'I would encourage others to become apprentices as it is a good experience giving a real and practical career foundation in the industry.'

Chloe Drew said: 'I enjoyed learning whilst I was working because I found it useful being able to apply the knowledge which I was learning to the workplace and be able to put it into practise in order to continue to improve my skills.'

Jobe Arnold is at the start of his time with the council as a financial services apprentice.

He said: 'I am really enjoying the experience of working and learning at the same time, as I have the chance to study for a good qualification, and earn some money at the same time.'