A MAJOR recruitment drive for apprentices has been launched by Oxford City Council.

Up to 12 young people are required for roles across the organisation including electricians, vehicle technicians, business administration and even pest control.

The intake will follow the first wave of apprentices at the authority, who started in 2012.

They include Morgan Culshaw, who joined the council in 2012 as an apprentice in business administration working in the leisure, parks and communities service.

Mr Culshaw, 19, from Oxford, said: “The apprenticeship scheme has met my needs in a completely different way to school and college and allowed me to adapt to work, learning key skills that will be with me throughout my working life.”

Ryan Taylor, who works in the finance service, was chosen as the Freeman of Oxford Business Admin Apprentice of the Year 2013.

He said: “I know the knowledge I have gained is transferable to future roles I will have in the council and other organisations.”

Mr Taylor, 20, from Wheatley, added: “I have also developed as a person because of the opportunity to meet a wide variety of people from different backgrounds and learn from their experience and mentoring.”

The council is looking for people aged 16 to 20 who live in Oxford.

There are up to nine advanced Business Administration Apprenticeships at NVQ3 level.

One will be a Business Administration/Culture Apprenticeship working with key culture partners across the city such as Film Oxford, Pegasus Theatre and Oxford University Museums.

City council leader Bob Price said: “I am delighted we are able to offer 12 young people the first step on the career path. It is important we train them to a certain level that will help them with future employment opportunities.”

Anyone interested should call Jarlath Brine on 01865 252131 or email jbrine@oxford.gov.uk. An application form is also available from the website oxford.gov.uk/jobs

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