Twenty-five apprentices have graduated from the joint scheme run by Slough Borough Council in partnership with Arvato, the highest number since the scheme began.
This year’s intake have spent the last 12 months undertaking level 2 diplomas in business administration, customer service and youth work, as well as performing key roles in the recruitment, marketing and finance departments.
A number of the graduates have secured permanent positions with both Arvato and the Council in roles spanning from customer services to HR.
Certificates were awarded by Ketan Gandhi, Service Lead – Communities and Leisure at Slough Borough Council and Carl Rayner, Head of Talent Acquisition and Development at Arvato in a ceremony hosted at The Curve on Tuesday 11thSeptember.
A special award was presented to 19-year-old Aleena Khan, this year’s Arvato Apprentice of the Year, in recognition of her outstanding achievements. In addition, Jack Hale, also aged 19, was announced as a runner up.
Ketan Gandhi said: “Each year we see our apprentices embrace every challenge and opportunity that comes their way and leave the scheme with fantastic careers ahead of them. This year is no different and all of our graduates, whether they stay with us or move on to higher education or new jobs, have developed invaluable skills to help them excel in their chosen career paths. We are very proud of our graduates and wish them every success.”
Carl Rayner added: “Apprenticeships are one of the most important tools for tackling the skills gaps businesses face today, helping them boost productivity and innovation and prepare for the ever-evolving talent requirements of the future.
“Our joint programme with the Council continues to grow every year and enables us to provide young people with not only a first step into the world of work, but a respected qualification and hands-on professional experience.”
Since September 2012, the joint programme has helped over 150 apprentices learn key employment skills and get on the career ladder. In recognition of its high standards of excellence in employing apprentices, Arvato was included in the Government’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer List in 2017.
The scheme is open to young people aged from 16. For more information, or to apply for the 2018/19 programme, please email careers@arvato.co.uk