Council leaders are celebrating the success of its apprenticeship strategy after employing 951 people in six years, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
Durham County Council is set to approve the latest updates to its new strategy after providing more than 1,100 upskilling opportunities since 2019, working alongside 53 training providers in a range of sectors.
The authority has outlined an ambition to continue recruiting and supporting apprentices over the next three years
Seventy-four per cent of the council’s apprentices have been retained in employment within the authority, with others supported into roles at different organisations or further education and training.
Of the apprentices recruited by the council in 2025, 88 per cent are County Durham residents.
Councillor Darren Grimes, 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.”
Eve Hind, who works in the business administration department and the winner of the 2025 Local Government Apprentice of the Year, said: “I joined Durham County Council straight from school which I found quite challenging at first as it is a massive change. I can now say it was the best decision I have made.
“My apprenticeship with the council has helped me grow so much in conf idence and has given me so many life skills and experience.”
Cabinet members will consider the updated apprenticeship strategy at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, November 19.
Cllr Grimes added: “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.”
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
