A local apprentice working for Bath & North East Somerset Council’s street cleansing team has won a top national title at the Association of Public Service Excellence Awards.
Lauren Creber, who has just completed her first year with the team, was named ‘Street Cleaning Apprentice of the Year’ at the Association of Public Service Excellence Awards.
Lauren currently provides administration support for the cleansing team. Her responsibilities include issuing daily work to staff, reacting to Report It issues raised by residents, updating records, supporting staff facing technical issues and co-ordinating litter picking equipment for community litter picks.
As part of her apprenticeship, Lauren is studying for a Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration with Bath College.
After being presented with her award Lauren said: “I was surprised and a little overwhelmed to win the title. I really enjoy the challenge of my job and the apprenticeship has provided me with lots of training opportunities.
“My confidence has really grown over the past year and now I’ve passed my driving test I can support the team out in the community if they need me.”
Lauren is just one of 36 apprentices currently working across the council undertaking training in Digital Learning Design, Business Admin, Highways Engineering, Accounting, Management, HR, Cultural and Heritage Services, Vehicle Maintenance and legal services.
The apprentices are a mixture of new employees, often local young people working and training for the first time, and existing employees undertaking apprenticeships as part of their professional and career development.
The council is planning to extend the opportunities available for apprenticeships to Project Management, Planning and Social Work Degree Apprenticeships next year.
Many of B&NES Council’s apprentices go onto secure permanent positions with the local authority, with a number progressing their studies to a higher level.
Councillor Bob Goodman, cabinet member for Development and Neighbourhoods said: “Lauren is a fantastic apprentice, committed to delivering great service to our residents.
“We’re delighted her efforts to go the extra mile have been recognised with this award. It is important that the council continues to attract young people to meet its future needs.
“We are a rapidly changing organisation and the way we deliver services is changing too. Young people bring new skills and perspectives we really need and can learn from.”
