A record number of apprentices are celebrating their graduation from a programme run by Slough Borough Council and the financial company Arvato.

This year’s class of 24 apprentices, all aged between 16 to 18-years-old, have spent the last year training towards qualifications in business administration, customer service and youth work with almost two-thirds going on to secure permanent roles with both the council and Farnham Road based Arvato.

Certificates were presented to the apprentices by Roger Parkin, interim chief executive at Slough Borough Council and Carl Rayner, head of talent, develoment and resourcing at Arvato at a ceremony held at the Curve on Thursday.

Councillor Sabia Hussain, deputy leader of Slough Borough Council came along to present a special award to the scheme’s 'apprentices of the year - Charlotte Keel for the council and Lauren Reardon for Arvato.

Launched in September 2012, the joint programme has already helped 120 apprentices into work. Arvato was included in the Government’s top 100 apprenticeship employer list in 2017, which recognises organisations with the highest standards of excellence in employing apprentices.

Young people aged from 16 to 18 can apply for the 2018 programme via email to apprenticeships@slough.gov.uk and request a recruitment pack.