Apprentices at Kirklees Council are spending a day in someone else’s shoes as part of a big apprenticeship campaign.
The council’s human resources team came up with the idea to give apprentices the chance to find out what it is like to work in a different place or in a different role.
The “job swap” kicked off when Karim Sheta, of Paddock, exchanged his role as an advanced apprentice in the council’s reactive maintenance team with retail apprentice Thomas Langford, of Deighton, who works at Alice’s Hardware in Huddersfield’s Queensgate Market.
Thomas spent the day at the council’s Honley depot and got an insight of how a busy office works, including the different roles and the administration systems in use.
At the same time, Karim learnt about running a retail business, including serving customers, stock taking and buying.
Other swaps are being planned for the rest of March, including ones involving Kirklees council apprentices Kerri Snailman. of Salendine Nook, who works in customer service and Jonathan Rodgers. from Kirkheaton, who is an apprentice electrician.
Clr Peter McBride, cabinet member for place, said: “Whilst many apprentices go on to permanent employment within their current workplace it is also important that they get to see what other opportunities exist so that they can make informed decision about their future options.
“Apprentices not only learn how to do a specific job but also gain transferable life and professional skills which make them excellent employees for any type or size of business.“
Businesses interested in taking on an apprentice can contact Kirklees Apprenticeship Hub by emailing Apphub@kirklees.gov.uk or calling 01484 437075.
Young people interested in being an apprentice are encouraged to like the Hub’s facebook page www.facebook.com/kirkleesapprenticeshiphub or follow them on twitter @kirkleesapphub. Advice is also available from C&K Careers by calling 01484 226750 or emailing recruitline@ckcareers.org.uk
