Northumberland County Council is set to launch a recruitment drive for 160 apprentices, making a £1.75 million commitment to providing great opportunities for young people in the county.
The financial investment secures the future placements across the organisation, in schools and with local employers. Over the last five years the council has taken on more than 1000 apprentices, with schools in the county taking on over 200.
The county council’s Apprenticeship Programme will grow leading up to 2020, to offer apprenticeships from entry level to Masters level, with recruitment starting in May 2017.
New apprentices will be supported by Apprenticeship Coordinators, who will provide mentoring and advice to assist them through the learning process.
Steven Mason, Chief Executive of Northumberland County Council, said: “Apprenticeships are incredibly valuable to the council and to businesses in Northumberland. We support hundreds of apprentices each year and they play a huge role in the work that we do.
“We are about to start a recruitment drive in May for 160 new apprentices, with the commitment that by 2020 we will be supporting up to 400.
“Apprenticeships are an excellent option for many people. We are delighted to be able to work with our many partners in supporting school leavers to find an apprenticeship which will stand them in good stead in the future. Apprenticeships aren’t just for young people though, they are for adults too who may be out of work or looking for a change in career.
“There are some great opportunities in the county for people to gain the skills, and experience necessary to enter the world of employment. Not only do apprentices gain valuable workplace experience, the council also offers further education and employment to many of the young people it takes on.”
For information about apprenticeships with Northumberland County Council go tohttp://www.northumberland.gov.