Fast Track apprentices from a digital team in HMRC based in Newcastle have been named National Finalists in the Brathay Apprentice Challenge 2016’s search for the apprentice team of the year.
My name is Amy Hart and I joined the Civil Service Fast Track Apprenticeship scheme in September of 2014. I currently work for HMRC in their exciting and new Digital Delivery Centre in Newcastle. Throughout my time as a Fast Track apprentice I have been involved in some incredible opportunities. For example last year, I had the pleasure of participating in the Civil Service's first “Upward Mentoring” scheme. I was paired up with a Senior Civil Servant and worked alongside them for a number of weeks to develop their digital skills, such as their social media presence. Now, I am part of a team of nine digital apprentices who are taking part in the Brathay Apprentice Challenge 2016.
As part of the Challenge, our team has undertaken a series of exciting and interactive work-related challenges to develop new skills and showcase their work as an employer by engaging with young people and businesses to promote the benefits of apprenticeships. We organised a community project which involved working with young children in our community by delivering two new ‘badges’ – Digital Citizen and Digital Maker – to local Scout Groups. Our team also conducted eleven visits to schools and youth groups to encourage young people to consider taking an apprenticeship after their studies and hosted business breakfasts to talk to potential employers about offering apprenticeships and had interest from ten employers.
We are lucky enough to be on one of the best apprenticeship schemes in the country where we work alongside some of the most talented and experienced IT professionals in the industry. We endeavour to learn as much as we can from them, whilst also giving back to a younger audience ourselves; whether that be teaching digital skills or simply encouraging them to consider an apprenticeship. The Brathay Apprentice Challenge 2016 is a wonderful opportunity for us to do so. We are all really pleased that the judges have put us through to the National Final and recognised our hard work. In these past three months we have been able to make a positive impact on our local community while also becoming closer as a team. We are looking forward to the opportunity to prove that we have the country’s best apprentice team.
The National Finalists will now continue awareness raising activities until mid-June, when they will be invited to Brathay Trust’s Windermere headquarters for the Logistical and Teambuilding Finale where the apprentice team of the year will be announced on 15th June. In the meantime please support the apprentices and keep up to date with their progress on Twitter @DDCNApprentices
Visit the Fast Track homepage on GOV.UK for more information on who can apply, how to apply and the different apprenticeship schemes on offer.
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