Durham County Council is currently searching for 66 apprentices – to fill a variety of posts from entry to degree level.

Apprenticeships are available in areas ranging from administration, ICT and financial management to bricklaying, horticulture, highways and civil engineering.

These opportunities are being advertised to coincide with the launch of the council’s Apprenticeship Strategy 2019/20.

This strategy outlines the objectives the council wants to achieve as an employer. The strategy also gives details of the action the council will take to increase the number and the range of the apprenticeships it offers.

Representatives from Durham County Council recently signed their commitment to the Apprenticeship Strategy at a ceremony attended by officials from the GMB and Unison unions and by current apprentices.

The leader of Durham County Council, Cllr Simon Henig, said, “Our apprenticeship programme is an integral part of our approach to address current and future skills needs.”

“Apprenticeships help us to attract and retain the very best talent and to benefit from a skilled, motivated and flexible workforce.”

“We are committed to investing in the continued expansion and development of our apprenticeship programme.”

“Through increasing the range and extent of apprenticeship opportunities, we can help to improve the skills base of our own workforce and across the county.”

Amber Kotwall – a 22-year-old business administration apprentice from Wolsingham – said, “I graduated from Durham University last year and was looking for a job where I would feel fulfilled.”

“The process of searching for jobs can be stressful and I had looked at several different types, but the Durham County Council apprenticeship at the North Pennines AONB Partnership really stood out to me.”

“I have learnt so much about the area where I grew up, helping the environment and being in a workplace for the first time. I am not sure what path I will go onto next, but I am confident that my apprenticeship with Durham County Council will help me secure it.”

24-year-old Aaron Evans from Durham City – an ICT apprentice and Durham County Council apprentice ambassador – said, “I’ve enjoyed moving between the different ICT teams to see different aspects and ranges of jobs I could work in.”

“I’ve also had the opportunity to develop and learn new skills while being supported by my managers and colleagues. The training has given me a good knowledge base and the confidence to apply for future job opportunities within this area of work.”

For details of apprenticeships available with Durham County Council, please go to https://www.northeastjobs.org.uk/default.aspx?page=orghome&orgid=73.

The council’s Apprenticeship Strategy can be accessed at https://www.durham.gov.uk/apprenticeships.

(The featured image shows Cllr Simon Henig with representatives from Durham County Council, the GMB and Unison, as well as current apprentices including Amber Kotwall and Aaron Evans.)


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