ACL Essex is challenging the stereotypes of apprenticeships this National Apprenticeship Week

This year, we are keen to bust myths around apprenticeships. We’re busting myths about apprenticeships this National Apprenticeship Week (5-11 February). We’re keen to show apprenticeships are open to all and highlight the varied career opportunities on offer.   Myth: You need to be a school leaver to do an apprenticeship. Fact: You can do…

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6 benefits of apprenticeships to your business

Hiring an apprentice can bring a range of benefits to your business, including: Cost savings: Apprenticeships offer a cost-effective way of recruiting and training new employees. As apprentices are typically younger and less experienced, their wages are lower than those of more experienced workers Tailored training: Apprenticeships allow you to provide tailored training that meets…

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Apprenticeship stories – Mary

Did you know that an apprenticeship could help you go into further education?   Mary, Community Support Worker, is currently completing a Level 4 Lead Practitioner in Adult Care pre-apprenticeship. She is then hoping to apply for a BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy course at university. Read her full story below: Please tell us a little…

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Apprenticeship stories – Emily

Emily joined the Basildon Council rehousing team in 2022 under the Kickstart programme, and has progressed onto a L3 Business and Admin apprenticeships. Read her full story below: Please tell us a little bit about your current role: I am a rehousing apprentice for the allocations team at Basildon Council. My day-to-day duties consist of…

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Apprenticeship stories – Rubie

Hello, my name is Rubie Hubbard and I recently completed my Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship with ACL, finishing with Distinctions across the board. It took me around 15 months to complete my apprenticeship and over this time I feel I have learnt so much, both professionally and personally: I am more confident when liaising…

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Councillor Tony Ball visits Clear Thinking Solutions

Earlier this week, as part of National Apprenticeship Week, we visited Clear Thinking I.T alongside Councillor Tony Ball, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability. Clear Thinking deliver clear communication and IT solutions that transform businesses, helping them to move forward more productively, securely, and compliantly. They continue to provide…

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5 Apprenticeship Myths

We are debunking some of the biggest apprenticeship myths and misconceptions. Is there a myth you’d like busted? Send us a message and we’ll be happy to answer you! Apprenticeship Myth 1 – Apprenticeships are for 16-24 year olds or school and college leavers… Apprenticeships are not just for 16-24 years olds or school and college leavers.…

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Apprenticeship stories: Where are they now? Leon

Leon joined the ACL Commercial team in October 2020 as a Business Administration Apprentice and has been supporting the Business Development team to engage with businesses, learners, and organisations to promote ACL opportunities. We recently caught up with Leon to see the progress he has continued to make in his career journey. What new projects…

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Apprenticeship Stories: Amy

Amy completed her Level 2 Business Administration apprenticeship and is using the skills learnt to complement her role as a Business Support Assistant within Essex County Council. “I choose to do an apprenticeship after leaving 6th form as I saw it as an opportunity to gain experience of the workplace, earning a wage as well…

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Apprenticeship Stories: Le

Le completed her Level 5 Operational Management apprenticeship and is using the skills learnt to complement her role as Senior Researcher at Essex County Council. She explains to us how the programme has impacted and benefited her role. What impact has your programme had on your job role/ workplace skills?           It has enhanced my skills,…

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Apprenticeship Stories: Leon

Leon joined the ACL Commercial team as a Business Administration Apprentice and has been supporting the Business Development team to engage with businesses, learners, and organisations to promote ACL opportunities. Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship? I decided to start an apprenticeship because I didn’t feel ready for a full time business role.…

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The Apprenticeship Levy

Have you ever heard or seen the words ‘Apprenticeship Levy’? Here’s Toni to explain what it means for you. Essex County Council are striving to increase apprenticeships within the county. To provide quality opportunities for learning and development to strengthen the Essex economy. The Essex Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Service will allow levy donors to utilise…

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Apprenticeship Stories: Jane

Through ACL Apprenticeships, Jane was able to upskill her own staff and create “future leaders”. The Apprenticeship programme has had a positive impact on her business – her staff have grown and developed with her business. Jane’s business My Life Choice provides personalised care and support to people with Autism and Learning Disabilities in Colchester,…

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Apprenticeship Stories: Claire

Claire is a Learning & Organisational Development Officer for Basildon Council, who have been recruiting and upskilling their employees with ACL for the past 8 years. We asked her some questions about why she would recommend the ACL Apprenticeships programme to other local authorities and businesses. Why did you choose an apprenticeship for your organisation…

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Apprenticeship Stories: Holly

We caught up with Impamark to talk about how their apprentice, Holly has progressed in her role and become an integral part of the team. Holly started with Impamark in September 2017 and completed the Level 2 Business & Administration Apprenticeship in September 2018 with Distinction. She then started her Level 3 in January 2019…

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