Torridge District Council proud to support National Apprenticeship Week 2023

National Apprenticeship Week is an annual week-long celebration across England, which this year runs from Monday 6th February to Sunday 12th February. The week-long focus is an opportunity for the education skills sector and employers to celebrate the achievements of apprentices around the country and their positive impact on communities, businesses, and the wider economy. Torridge has been involved in apprenticeship schemes for many years and has a proud history of helping young people develop their workplace skills while gaining a qualification. 

The Council currently have six apprentices in various stages of their courses and across a wide range of services, including Waste and Recycling, Planning, Housing and Customer Services. Opportunities to develop and progress are actively encouraged with a full programme of support and development organised and monitored through the senior and operational management teams leading to professional qualifications and, in some instances, opportunities to apply for full-time job vacancies.

Aaron Johnson, Waste and Recycling Team, Vehicle Fitter Apprentice, said:

"I'm really grateful for the opportunity Torridge has provided me with. The apprenticeship within the vehicle maintenance team has been so much more than I had expected it to be. One of the things I enjoy is the hands-on learning style whilst gaining a qualification at the same time. No day is the same, and I like the responsibility of helping the team maintain the Council's fleet of vehicles."

For 2023, Torridge District Council has also created two exciting and fully funded Degree Level Apprenticeship positions, where the successful applicants will have the opportunity to go on and become qualified and accredited Planning Officers. 

Beth Hobbs, Planning Team, Degree level Apprentice, said:

"The unique part of an apprenticeship is immediately having a job with a secure income. I originally started working in the council as a Planning Support Apprentice and managed to secure a full-time position. I enjoy the challenge of working in the council's Planning Department, and I can't wait to get started with the Degree Level Apprenticeship, where I will progress to become a Graduate Planning Officer. This is a really exciting opportunity, and I encourage anyone to try an apprenticeship!".

Councillor Ken James, Leader of Torridge District Council, said:

"One of our strategic goals for the area is to create the right environment for better-skilled and better-paid jobs. This might be through helping fledgling companies grow and develop or by creating new industry opportunities like those that will be found when the Appledore Clean Marine Centre is built. As an employer, we can also take more direct action to nurture homegrown talent, which is where our apprenticeship scheme comes into play. Our aim is to increase opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to develop transferable skills in the workplace and improve their lives. Apprentices work in many departments across the Council, with many going on to become full-time members of staff. We will soon be advertising another Degree Level Apprenticeship within our Building Control Team, so please keep an eye on the Torridge Careers website, careers.torridge.gov.uk."

People can also follow the Council's social media channels to be kept up to date with the latest information and opportunities: www.facebook.com/torridgedc.

Feb 2023