Council opening doors to the future
Uttlesford District Council has been welcoming students on work experience placements this month so that they can find out more about the types of careers offered by the organisation.
The students - from Saffron Walden County High School, Helena Romanes School Great Dunmow, St Mary's Bishop's Stortford, and Castle Manor Academy Haverhill - have been introduced to how the council works and have been spending time with officers learning about planning and building control, housing and environmental services, IT, environmental health, customer services, economic development and democratic services.
One Year 12 student from Ukraine, who is also a refugee and is staying with a host family in the district, has been using his language skills to help engage with young people with the Communities team.
Work experience allows young people to gain insight into a career and informs their future choices. It can also help them stand out from the crowd on future applications.
This is the first time the council has introduced a corporate programme for work experience students.
Cllr Petrina Lees, Leader of the council, said: "We are taking positive steps to engage young people, to show them that working for Uttlesford District Council is a great option when they embark on their careers.
"Introducing young people to the valuable work that local authorities do is a part of that. We want the council to be recognised as an employer of choice for young people, where they can learn their craft and gain experience for a fulfilling career.
"Work experience programmes are also mutually beneficial - young people bring a whole new energy and perspective to the workplace, whilst embracing young minds will lead to better recruitment opportunities for them and us in the future."
13 July 2023