The North East’s largest local authority continues to be recognised among England’s best employers of apprentices.

 

Durham County Council is one of only two local authorities listed in the UK’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers.

 

The council is currently recruiting nearly 100 new apprentices across a wide range of occupations from entry to degree level, offering people the chance to earn as they learn as part of its largest apprenticeship recruitment campaign to date. Roles include business administration, civil engineering, executive support, refuse and recycling, gardener, financial management, electrician, joiner, solicitor, human resources, procurement, and teaching assistant, amongst others.

 

The positions are due to begin in September.

 

Apprenticeships are open to people of all ages. Applicants can be a school leaver, someone looking to return to work after a period of absence or those looking for a complete change of career.

 

Apprentices are supported to gain the relevant skills, experience and qualifications to secure employment with the council and to progress to the next steps in their career or education.

 

Cllr Richard Bell, the council’s deputy leader and Cabinet member for finance, said: “It is a fantastic achievement to once again be named among the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers in England.

 

“Apprenticeships provide a vital pathway for people to get into employment and gather the skills and knowledge they need to progress their careers. Equally, being able to attract and retain talent enables us to continue delivering high-quality services to communities.”

 

The Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers celebrates outstanding apprenticeship employers in both the public and private sectors and helps future apprentices, parents and careers advisers to identify opportunities at the country’s leading employers.

 

First launched in 2020, the rankings have been developed by the Department of Education, in partnership with High Fliers Research, which independently assesses and ranks apprenticeship employers.

 

The rankings were not produced in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

 

The rankings recognise employer for their commitment to employing apprentices, their creation of new positions and the number of employees who complete their apprenticeships and progress further with the employer.

 

Further information on apprenticeship opportunities with Durham County Council are available at www.durham.gov.uk/apprenticeships