What's it like to be a revenues and benefits apprentice?
What previous apprentices say
Tamara Willoughby, revenues officer
“I joined CBC in September 2019 as an apprentice because I wanted to do more for myself than working jobs that I didn’t enjoy and an apprenticeship seemed like the way to go, fast forward to March 2020 and we went into lockdown for the Covid-19 pandemic which I thought would be the end of my journey.
"Instead of pausing my apprenticeship I was transferred to a different department so that I could progress with the apprenticeship. I was supported nonstop the entire way by so many wonderful people and not only did I finish my apprenticeship but I did so with a distinction. I am forever grateful that CBC took a chance on me as it has without a doubt changed my life and has given me what I hope is a lifelong career.
"My biggest achievement following this apprenticeship is that I have continued to take the knowledge learned and progress from apprentice to revenue support officer and now as a revenues officer since September 2022”.
Daniel Crowe, revenues officer
“I started my IRRV apprenticeship with Cheltenham Borough Council in October 2023 and I have really enjoyed it. It’s been a positive challenge and have felt fully supported by my colleagues throughout in my training and meetings with my mentors. It’s been really useful being able to do the job in a practical way in the office alongside learning the theory online on this course. It has also lead me to working as a full-time revenues and benefits officer only one year into the role and am thankful to my colleagues for supporting me in applying for this.
I found that university was not the best way for me to learn so looked into apprenticeships as a more practical way to learn, and in being hired as an apprentice I have made and am developing and learning skills for my job every day whilst receiving a salary. It’s been one of the best decisions I have made”.