National apprenticeship week
Richmondshire’s four newest recruits have added their backing to a week that celebrates them and their colleagues around the country – National Apprenticeship Week.
The District Council launched its in-house apprenticeship scheme last month, adding to its district wide scheme to support local businesses to take on apprentices.
And this week, as part of the national campaign, it is highlighting that work. Its ‘Learn, Earn, Succeed’ programme welcomed its first cohort of apprentices in Business Administration, Human Resources and ICT. In partnership with Darlington College, all four new employees will work full time alongside experienced council colleagues, while studying towards a Level three qualification.
New digital content producer, Ash Renwick, said: “I was looking for an opportunity to develop essential career skills alongside more specialised ones in a position I would enjoy. Being able to use the skills I am learning to provide services for local people is a motivating and positive part of the role. An apprenticeship is a great way to start or change a career whether you are just leaving school or not, being able to learn while you earn is an amazing opportunity.”
“Our first four apprentices have settled into the council very quickly – at a time when it is very hard to start a new job,” said Chief Executive, Tony Clark.
“We hope to see many more people of all ages join us through this scheme which will nurture new talent and retain job skills within Richmondshire.”
And Kay Sherwen from Darlington College's Business Development Team, added: "It is always exciting to see businesses recognising a need to grow their talent and Richmondshire District Council's new 'Earn, Learn, Succeed Programme does exactly that. We look forward to working closely with Richmondshire District Council as they welcome even more fresh talent into the council".
The council also runs a successful Apprenticeship Wage Subsidy scheme that that aims to encourage and stimulate economic growth, develop home grown talent and help to retain young people in the district.
In its first two years it has awarded £77,000 in grants. This has funded 37 apprentices in 31 business across Richmondshire in a wide variety of jobs including: business administration, accountancy, hairdressing, beauty therapy, hospitality, software development, childcare, carpentry and digital marketing.
National Apprenticeship Week brings together business leaders, career seekers, educational institutions, and other partners to show support for apprenticeships and highlight the many benefits they bring to businesses. This year the week focuses on the ‘Build the Future: Train, Retain and Achieve’ theme and has been designed to celebrate and promote the success and resilience of apprentices during a very challenging year.
For more information about apprenticeships available across Richmondshire visit our apprenticeship page.
