National honour for council apprentice Chris

An apprentice at Brighton & Hove City Council has been rated one of the very best in the country by a key industry body.

At the finals of the British Computer Society IT Industry Awards, Chris Bubloz (pictured) won the ‘Highly Commended’ award in the IT Apprentice of the Year category.

Chris is employed in the council’s IT & Digital team where he works with local schools supporting their IT systems.

At the same time, through his work-based apprenticeship he is working towards a Level 6 (= degree level) qualification in digital & technology solutions.

Chris said: “Being recognised by the BCS is amazing really – they’re huge within the IT world. You never think big organisations like that will notice you.

“The council has been fantastic, really supportive. I didn’t feel like I had a clue when I started, but my colleagues have really helped me through.

“Also, my BSc degree course is effectively free because it’s all paid for through an apprenticeship levy.

“Getting a degree without having to worry about £30,000 of university debts is a massive thing for me.”

Please visit the council website at www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/apprenticeships for further information about offering apprenticeships or getting a place on an apprenticeship programme.