Mansfield District Council has approved £100,000 of funding to create further apprenticeship opportunities within the authority.

The money, which comes from the council’s Economic Stimulus Fund, will enable it to host a number of apprentices through its partnership with Futures Apprenticeships.

Available apprenticeships include:

Customer service
Business and administration
Construction
Vehicle maintenance and repair
Horticulture
ICT Systems and networks

Apprentices are employed by Futures, but will work from council sites. Each apprenticeship offers a 52-week, fixed-term training programme, which includes on-the-job training, the opportunity for additional training on day release and a National Vocational Qualification.

Painter and decorator Hayley Waterhouse (pictured) was offered a permanent contract after completing a three-year apprenticeship scheme with the council, during which she gained an NVQ in painting and decorating.

“My apprenticeship covered a lot of skills and gave me valuable practical experience,” she said.

“As well as learning how to paint and decorate, I learnt how to do joinery, plastering and tiling. I was given a lot of support and I trained with some good people. I would certainly recommend going for an apprenticeship with the council.”

Since 2012, the council has taken on 43 apprentices, of whom 17 have been employed by the council following completion of their training — and 26 have been employed by other local businesses.

To find out about the vacancies and details of how to apply, go to www.futuresadvice.co.uk/current-apprenticeships.html