THREE people will have the chance to become apprentices through Redditch Borough Council as part of a new drive to create opportunities for local people.

The apprenticeships are being offered as a children’s centre assistant with SureStart, an electrician in the repairs and maintenance team, and as a landscape operative with the council.

Each takes up a full five days a week, with one day spent at college completing a related qualification, and they will all run for 12-18 months, depending on the length of the accompanying course, with successful applicants being paid a salary of £125 per week while they learn.

Bill Hartnett, leader of Redditch Borough Council, said: “When the Labour group was elected back in April, one of our manifesto promises was to create apprenticeship opportunities wherever we can by a variety of mechanisms.

“In the current climate, councils can play an important role in supporting local people to develop skills and gain valuable experience and qualifications which will increase their employability.

“As well as creating opportunities within the council, we are also developing a strategy to create more apprenticeships in the borough via planning policies and initiatives, which involves working closely with local employers and other partners.”

The closing date for applications for each of the positions is Sunday, December 16, and the council has plans to make another two apprenticeships available in sports and fitness in partnership with NEW College, at the beginning of next year.

For more information about any of the apprenticeship opportunities visit wmjobs.co.uk or apprenticeships.org.uk.