Reading Borough Council
Reading Borough Council is pleased to offer a number of apprenticeship opportunities. Working in departments such as Sport and Recreation, Art and Theatre, Hospitality and Catering and Horticulture successful applicants will gain recognized qualifications and on the job training.
For more information on each apprenticeship please click on the relevent link below:
- Marketing Executive
- Base Level Arborist (Trees & Timber)
- Horticulture (Gardner)
- Lighting Technician (Technical Theatre)
- Front of House Support Staff Duty Manager
- Front of House Staff Duty Manager
- Kitchen Assistant
- Personal Trainer
- Recreation/Leisure Assistant
Marketing Executive
Working at the Hexagon theatre, one of Reading’s busiest arts and entertainment venues. You will assist the marketing of services, shows and events to help maximise local and national exposure. You will be required to research, write and coordinate materials and administer their distribution.
As part of the Intermediate Apprenticeship in Marketing you will not only gain on the job experience but also qualifications that are industry recognised. Throughout the apprenticeship you well learn about the marketing industry; around how a variety of marketing services and methods are used to inform customers about products and services. Based at a local theatre you will help to promote the theatre and their productions, this is the ideal start for anyone wishing to build a career in marketing and with a passion for performance arts.
What Qualifications will I gain?
- Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Marketing
- Level 2 Certificate in Principals of Marketing
- Employees Rights and Responsibilities (Embedded within the Level 2 Certificate in Principals of Marketing)
- Functional Skills / Key Skills Length of the course
How long is the apprenticeship?
This apprenticeship would take between 9 to 12 months to complete. Each apprentice would be allocated an assessor who would work through the apprenticeship with them helping to guide them through the training courses.
Can I do this apprenticeship?
Applicants must have a interest in media, arts and theatre and enjoy writing.
Am I eligible to do this apprenticeship?
To be eligible for this programme you need to:
- Be aged between 16-18
- Not be in Full Time education
- Not hold a degree or HND Qualification
How much will I earn?
£115 per week minimum.
How do I apply?
Applying for an apprenticeship is simple, all you need to do is fill out a applicaiton from found here.
Base Level Arborist (Trees & Timber)
As part of the Parks and Open Spaces team you will work to maintain the parks trees and assist in carry out felling, de-limbering and cross cutting. As a ground worker you will ensure the health and safety of park visitors and provide a high level of customer service whilst tree cutting work is being carried out.
An Apprenticeship in Trees and Timber enables you to develop the skills in forestry and arboriculture ranging from forestry establishment, maintenance and harvesting, green wood trades, and arboriculture. You will be expected to work alongside practicing arborists to gain work based training to support skills learnt through study. A career in arboriculture is perfectly suited to those interested in environmentally positive work that is highly responsible, largely outdoors, team-focused and often very physically demanding and mentally challenging. With the growing emphasis on environmental concerns, outdoor activities, and natural resource conservation the apprenticeship in trees and timber offers applicants an entry into this ever growing sector.
What Qualifications will I gain?
- Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Tree & Timber
- Employee Rights and Responsibilities (Workbook)
- Functional Skills / Key Skills
How long is the apprenticeship?
This apprenticeship would take between 9 to 12 months to complete. Each apprentice would be allocated an assessor who would work through the apprenticeship with them helping to guide them through the training courses.
Can I do this apprenticeship?
You must be willing to work outdoors in different weather conditions and be able to follow and enforce health and safety practices.
Am I eligible to do this apprenticeship?
To be eligible for this programme you need to:
- Be aged between 16-18
- Not be in Full Time education
- Not hold a degree or HND Qualification
How much will I earn?
£115 per week minimum.
How do I apply?
Applying for an apprenticeship is simple, all you need to do is fill out a applicaiton from found here.
Horticulture (Gardener)
Working within the Parks and Open Spaces department you will ensure parks are maintained to a high standard. Your roles may vary from litter clearing to maintenance of a variety of different landscaped areas including a variety of open spaces. Working as part of the team you will also have the opportunity to assist in the planning and preparation of planting schemes.
During the Apprenticeship in Horticulture you will receive comprehensive practical training designed to develop your competence at carrying out relevant real-life horticultural tasks to meet the needs of Reading Borough Council. The apprenticeship offers candidate’s real hands on job experience, you will work within a dedicated team to ensure a high level devliery
What Qualifications will I gain?
- Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Horticulture
- Employee Rights and Responsibilities (Workbook)
- Functional Skills / Key Skills
How long is the apprenticeship?
This apprenticeship would take between 9 to 12 months to complete. Each apprentice would be allocated an assessor who would work through the apprenticeship with them helping to guide them through the training courses.
Am I eligible/Can I do this apprenticeship?
You must have a interest in gardening and working outdoors as well as good customer service skills or experience.
Am I eligible to do this apprenticeship?
To be eligible for this programme you need to:
- Be aged between 16-18
- Not be in Full Time education
- Not hold a degree or HND Qualification
How much will I earn?
£115 per week minimum.
How do I apply?
Applying for an apprenticeship is simple, all you need to do is fill out a applicaiton from found here.
Lighting Technician (Technical Theatre)
Working across Reading Councils Arts venues you will work as part of a team to ensure the smooth running of shows, performances and conferences. With an emphasis on lighting you will work to develop technical aspects required for the event whilst ensuring a high level of safety is maintained.
The Advanced Apprenticeship in Technical Theatre is a very specialised programme. You will train alongside qualified technicians and learn how to operate and use lighting to enhance performances within a theatre setting. Working within a team you may be required to liaise with lighting directors, floor managers and various other key individuals involved with productions along with external partners.
What Qualifications will I gain?
- Level 3 Certificate in Technical Theatre: Sound, Light and Stage (Lighting)
- Level 3 Certificate in Principals of the Creative and Cultural Sector
- Employee Rights and Responsibilities (Workbook)
- Function Skills / Key Skills
How long is the apprenticeship?
This apprenticeship would take between 18 to 24 months to complete. Each apprentice would be allocated an assessor who would work through the apprenticeship with them helping to guide them through the training courses.
Can I do this apprenticeship?
Having previous experience in a customer service role is advantageous and an interest in using and maintaining technical equipment.
Am I eligible to do this apprenticeship?
To be eligible for this programme you need to:
- Be aged between 16+
- Not be in Full Time education
- Not hold a degree or HND Qualification
How much will I earn?
£115 per week minimum.
How do I apply?
Applying for an apprenticeship is simple, all you need to do is fill out a applicaiton from found here.
Front of House Support Staff Duty Manager
Working across Reading Borough Councils Arts and Theatre venues you will support in the running and supervision of the front of house. You will get involved in leading the support staff team in welcoming visitors to the facility and ensuring all of their queries and complaints are dealt with. You will also oversee the answering of phones, receipt of deliveries and checking of tickets.
The Apprenticeship in Cultural and Heritage Venue Operations develops the skills and knowledge needed to be an effective employee in the creative arts sector. We are looking for passionate, focused individuals who wish to peruse a career within this field. Apprentices will study the different methods used by organisations to inform and engage clients and customers and the wide variety of opportunities and career pathways in the creative sector.
What Qualifications will I gain?
- Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Cultural Venue Operations
- Level 2 Award in Principals of the Creative and Cultural Sector
- Employee Rights and Responsibilities (Workbook)
- Functional Skills / Key Skills
How long is the apprenticeship?
This apprenticeship would take between 9 to 12 months to complete. Each apprentice would be allocated an assessor who would work through the apprenticeship with them helping to guide them through the training courses.
Can I do this apprenticeship?
Ideally applicants will have experience of working in a customer focused role and handling stock or any supervisory experience.
Am I eligible to do this apprenticeship?
To be eligible for this programme you need to:
- Be aged between 16-18
- Not be in Full Time education
- Not hold a degree or HND Qualification
How much will I earn?
£115 per week minimum.
How do I apply?
Applying for an apprenticeship is simple, all you need to do is fill out a applicaiton from found here.
Front of House Staff Duty Manager
As duty manager you are responsible for arranging and carrying out a wide range of duties necessary to maintain a high operational standard throughout the facility. Working with front of house staff you will provide guidance and leadership whilst ensuring patrons are looked after with a high level of customer service. Alongside this you will also be responsible in supervising the security and safety of stock and cash as well as implementations of emergency procedures for the venue.
The Advanced Apprenticeship in Cultural and Heritage Venue Operations develops the skills and knowledge needed to be an effective employee in the creative arts sector. We are looking for passionate, focused individuals who wish to peruse a career within this field. During the apprenticeship the experiences and training are based around a variety of creative services and how they function. Apprentices will study the different methods used by organisations to inform and engage clients and customers and the wide variety of opportunities and career pathways in the creative sector.
What Qualifications will I gain?
- Level 3 Diploma in Cultural Heritage
- Employee Rights and Responsibilities
- Functional Skills / Key Skills
How long is the apprenticeship?
This apprenticeship would take between 18 to 24 months to complete. Each apprentice would be allocated an assessor who would work through the apprenticeship with them helping to guide them through the training courses.
Can I do this apprenticeship?
Ideally applicants will have experience of working in a customer focused role and handling stock or any supervisory experience.
Am I eligible to do this apprenticeship?
To be eligible for this programme you need to:
- Be aged between 16-18
- Not be in Full Time education
- Not hold a degree or HND Qualification
How much will I earn?
£115 per week minimum.
How do I apply?
Applying for an apprenticeship is simple, all you need to do is fill out a applicaiton from found here.
Kitchen Assistant
As a kitchen assistant you will work within a team to deliver food and beverage services at a variety of venues, ensuring that a high standard of cleanliness is adhered to at all times. You will be required to assist at banqueting and buffet functions and provide a high level of customer service.
The Apprenticeship in Hospitality and Catering is a programme that provides you with an outstanding introduction to working in a Hospitality or Catering role. Working within a team you will develop skills and techniques to deliver a high quality service to clients and patrons.
What Qualifications will I gain?
- Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Food Production and Cooking
- Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principals (Food Production and Cooking)
- Employee Rights and Responsibilities (Embedded within the NVQ Diploma)
- Functional Skills / Key Skills
How long is the apprenticeship?
This apprenticeship would take between 9 to 12 months to complete. Each apprentice would be allocated an assessor who would work through the apprenticeship with them helping to guide them through the training courses.
Can I do this apprenticeship?
Ideally applicants will have experience of working in a customer focused role and handling stock or any supervisory experience.
Am I eligible to do this apprenticeship?
To be eligible for this programme you need to:
- Be aged between 16-18
- Not be in Full Time education
- Not hold a degree or HND Qualification
How much will I earn?
£115 per week minimum.
How do I apply?
Applying for an apprenticeship is simple, all you need to do is fill out a applicaiton from found here.
Personal Trainer
Open to applicants with a Level 2 Fitness Instructor qualification, you will work within the Fitness Factory as a Personal Trainer delivering high quality health and fitness services. You will be required to instruct, advise and assist users with lifestyle evaluations, fitness assessments and personalised training programmes whilst ensuring a high level of customer care and safety.
Working within Reading Councils leisure facilities you will undertake the Advanced Apprenticeship in Fitness qualification which enables you to work at Personal Training level whilst gaining valuable work experience. You will learn how to prepare, deliver and evaluate exercise programmes for a wide variety of clients based on their own unique requirements. Whilst learning about anatomy, motivational techniques and writing session plans in more detail.
What Qualifications will I gain?
- Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Personal Training
- Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training
- Level 3 Award in Employment Awareness in Active Leisure and Learning
How long is the apprenticeship?
This apprenticeship would take between 18 to 24 months to complete. Each apprentice would be allocated an assessor who would work through the apprenticeship with them helping to guide them through the training courses.
Can I do this apprenticeship?
In order to be able to undertake the Advanced Apprenticeship in Fitness you must hold an industry recognised Level 2 Fitness Instructors qualification (If you have any queries in relation to this please contact the IoS on 01509 640456). Further to this previous experience in dealing with customer service and maintenance duties.
Am I eligible to do this apprenticeship?
To be eligible for this programme you need to:
- Be aged between 16+
- Not be in Full Time education
- Not hold a degree or HND Qualification
How much will I earn?
£115 per week minimum.
How do I apply?
Applying for an apprenticeship is simple, all you need to do is fill out a applicaiton from found here.
Recreation/Leisure Assistant
Working at Reading Borough Council sports facilities you will ensure the facility is clean, safe and inviting for customers. You will undertake lifeguarding duties, setting up and taking down equipment alongside routine cleaning duties. As a frontline member of staff you will have a customer focused approach and able to deal with enquires and complaints in a calm and understanding manner.
The Apprenticeship in Leisure Operations develops skills in relation to customer service, health and safety, cleaning both wet and dry sides and reception duties. Working as part of a frontline team you will be integral to the running if the centre and dealing face to face with customers.
What Qualifications will I gain?
- Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Active Leisure, Learning and Well-Being Operational
- Level 2 Certificate in Sport and Active Leisure Facility Operations
- Level 2 Certificate in Leisure Operations
- Level 2 Award in Pool Lifeguarding, Supervision and Rescue
- Level 2 Award in Employment Awareness in Active Leisure and Learning
How long is the apprenticeship?
This apprenticeship would take between 9 to 12 months to complete. Each apprentice would be allocated an assessor who would work through the apprenticeship with them helping to guide them through the training courses.
Can I do this apprenticeship?
There are no entry requirements for this apprenticeship although ideally applicants will have previous customer service experience along with a keen interest in working within the leisure industry.
Am I eligible to do this apprenticeship?
To be eligible for this programme you need to:
- Be aged between 16+
- Not be in Full Time education
- Not hold a degree or HND Qualification
How much will I earn?
£115 per week minimum.
How do I apply?
Applying for an apprenticeship is simple, all you need to do is fill out a applicaiton from found here.
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