Top marks for North Devon Council's young apprentice

North Devon Council's apprenticeship scheme is continuing to thrive with news that one its apprentices has flown through another set of exams.

Hannah Stokes began her two year apprenticeship with the council in October 2011, providing administrative support to the Property and Technical team. Normally apprentices are only required to study up to level 2 NVQ, but Hannah Stokes has almost completed level 3 and is taking her studies further.

She completes the level 3 NVQ Certificate in Business Administration course in March and has already passed her exams. She is now hoping to gain a level 3 NVQ for Notice Processing in parking, as well as working towards technical qualifications in 'Principles of working in the public sector' and the 'Principles of business and administration'.

Avril Rollingson, Hannah's mentor at the council says: "Hannah is really enthusiastic, pro-active and has proved to be a very efficient member of the team. We are very pleased with her progress and her ongoing exam success."

Hannah says: "This has been a great opportunity for me. It has helped me to extend my skills and knowledge and given me the work experience needed to progress my career. I work with a great team who have been very supportive through the NVQ process and I really enjoy working here. I feel these kind of apprenticeships are a great idea for young people and provide the opportunity to gain qualifications whilst also gaining valuable work experience."

Leader of North Devon Council, Brian Greenslade, says: "I'm very pleased that all of our apprentices are doing so well. The apprenticeship scheme provides invaluable experience and qualifications for our young people which we hope will give them an edge in what is currently a very difficult jobs market."

Hannah is one of four apprentices working at North Devon Council, with three studying for NVQs in business administration and one working towards a financial qualification.