Torridge District Council Supports National Apprenticeship Week 2026

National Apprenticeship Week is an annual week-long celebration across England, which this year runs from Monday 9th February to Sunday 15th 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.

The Council currently has seven apprentices, five studying at degree level and two studying at level 3.  The apprentices are all at various stages of their courses across a wide range of departments. 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.

Olly Kearney, Apprentice Environmental Health Officer, Torridge District Council, said:

"I am currently in my first year of a degree apprenticeship in the Torridge District Council's environmental health department. My typical day involves investigating housing standards cases and processing housing assistance grants. I really enjoy being an apprentice, as it provides a great work/study/life balance. It also means that I am immediately able to apply the concepts learnt at university, which helps me to feel that I am making progress. I would strongly recommend an apprenticeship at the Council, as there is a good balance between building a solid foundation of knowledge and tackling new challenges."

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

"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. Apprentices are placed in various departments across the Council, and many of them progress to become full-time staff members. Since 1 Jan 2020 we have taken on 18 apprentices with 7 progressed onto permanent roles."

"As an employer, we are dedicated to nurturing local talent. One of our strategic goals for the area is to create an environment that fosters the development of highly skilled and well-paid jobs. Our aim is to provide opportunities for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to acquire transferable skills in the workplace, which can enhance their lives."

To find out more information future apprenticeship and career opportunities at Torridge District Council follow the Council's social media channels or visit www.careers.torridge.gov.uk.

Feb 26