LEADER of Wiltshire Council Jane Scott was shadowed during her working day by an apprentice from Trowbridge as part of Learning at Work Week this week.

Claire Ashton, 23, who is currently studying for a Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship in customer services, was given the opportunity to shadow Cllr Scott on Wednesday by Learning in Wiltshire.

As part of the experience, Miss Ashton attended a cabinet meeting with Cllr Scott and a capital assets committee meeting in the afternoon to see what she does on a daily basis.

Miss Ashton said: “As an apprentice working for Wiltshire Council, this was a great opportunity to see how my work fits into the bigger picture and it has been really good to see how all the different people fit into their different roles.

“Apprentices were sent an email offering us a chance to shadow Jane or an MP. I decided to put my name forward and it was picked out of a hat. It was exciting to have an insight into Jane Scott’s role and see how she manages all her tasks.

“It was great being able to go to meetings with her and see where all the important decisions are made and I was able to speak to her about a few of my own ideas.

“It was a real eye opener and it has been a fantastic opportunity. As she is leader I thought she might be a bit scary, but she is really friendly and down to earth. If I ever got the opportunity to work alongside her I would take it up.”

Miss Ashton, who attended Stonehenge School in Salisbury, added that she hopes to continue working as an apprentice for the council before going into a career in social work or children in care.

Learning at Work Week, which runs from May 18-24, is an annual awareness campaign to put the spotlight on the importance and benefits of learning and development.

Learning in Wiltshire, the adult and community learning, training and development arm of the council, is developing the shadowing idea further and arranging for an apprentice to shadow a local MP next month.

Cllr Scott said: “We have a vibrant apprenticeship programme at Wiltshire Council, and I’m very happy to be involved in this celebration of Learning at Work week.”