Council expands apprenticeship support

A local authority is set to build on its success in developing new career pathways through apprenticeships with the launch of an updated training strategy.

Durham County Council has revealed plans to strengthen its apprenticeship programme through a new three-year strategy aimed at creating more opportunities for local residents and ensuring the council has a skilled, future-ready workforce.

Since 2019, the council has recruited 951 apprentices and delivered more than 1100 upskilling opportunities in partnership with 53 training providers. 

Around three-quarters of those apprentices have remained in employment with the council, while others have moved into new roles or further education.

The council, twice named in the Government’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers List, will discuss the updated Apprenticeship Strategy for 2025–2028 at its next cabinet meeting, with officials saying its goal will be to “supercharge” the local economy by improving skills, learning and long-term career prospects across the county.

Councillor Darren Grimes, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for finance, said:

“Apprenticeships are key to helping us to attract, develop and retain the very best talent within our workforce – from young people first starting out in their careers to adults looking to retrain.

“We want to ensure we have the right people in place to deliver the highest quality services to our communities. 

“We also want to create life-changing opportunities for County Durham residents and break down barriers into employment.

“Our Apprenticeship Strategy is about making sure we get the best possible value for money out of the apprenticeship funding we receive – both in terms of meeting our current and future skills needs and providing positive and rewarding experiences for our apprentices.”

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