How apprenticeships can help with recruitment

The Council’s Fleet and Vehicle Maintenance department employed two Motor Vehicle Fitter Apprentices at our Alps depot in Wenvoe.

After struggling to recruit full-time qualified fitters at the grade offered, the Council’s transport services team turned to colleagues in HR for support. As a result, they decided to offer apprenticeship opportunities with the possibility of a full-time job opportunity at the end. 

Gareth George, Fleet Manager for the Council, said, “It’s working really well for us as a way of recruiting people into the service and they have gained the skills and experience they need to find full-time employment.”

Both apprentices have gone on to gain full time jobs. One apprentice securing a job with Aebi Schmidt just before Christmas and the other getting a full-time role in the Council.

Apprentice turned Motor vehicle Fitter, Ollie Williams, has recently completed his Level 2 in Repair and Service of Heavy Vehicles and secured a permanent role with the Council just last week.  

Ollie said, “Through my apprenticeship with the Vale of Glamorgan Council and Cardiff and Vale College, I have learnt about and been given opportunities to work on various vehicles and machinery including cars, vans, HGVs, Telehandlers, mowers, and tractors to name a few.

"Alongside the practical aspect, I also attended Cardiff and Vale College once a week for the theory and coursework. The knowledge and experience I have gained from working on a wide range of vehicles, machinery and plant has helped me gain a full-time job working for the Council.”