People looking to change or kickstart their career have less than a week left to apply for a range of exciting apprenticeships with Durham County Council.
The council is currently recruiting to a wide range of vacancies, due to start in September, and is welcoming applicants of all ages and backgrounds. People have until Sunday 9 June to apply for the posts, which are advertised at www.northeastjobs.org.uk
Sixty-eight posts are available from entry to degree level in a range of occupations including business administration, ICT, financial management, civil engineering, planning, highways, electrical, bricklaying and horticulture.
The council’s corporate director for resources, John Hewitt, began his career with a council apprenticeship and is recommending the choice to others as a fantastic opportunity for people to learn new skills, gain practical experience and achieve qualifications in the workplace, whilst also earning a wage.
John said, “When I started off I never thought I would end up being a corporate director in one of the biggest councils in the country. Through hard work and support from the council, the opportunity does exist to go as far as you want to go. Apprenticeships provide some really good, balanced experience and provide the opportunity to work your way through the organisation, developing a wide range of skills that are invaluable in building a career in local government.”
Thirty-two-year-old former stay-at-home mum, Gemma Rodgerson, is also an advocate for apprenticeships.
Gemma began a civil engineering apprenticeship with the council in September 2018, combining one day a week studying at Teesside University with four days in the office or out on site, working with her colleagues on various road network projects across the county.
Gemma said: “My life is completely different since starting as a DCC apprentice. I had been a stay-at-home mum for over five years so coming to work full time was a huge change. The opportunities I’ve had in terms of education and in the workplace are amazing; the civil engineering degree has been challenging but I’m enjoying it so much, and I couldn’t ask for a better team to be working with.”
In January 2019, Gemma was appointed to a permanent post with the council and is continuing to develop her technical skills within the traffic assets team and taking on more responsibility for the projects she works on. She said: “When I graduate as a civil engineer I will have four years of experience in my field as well as my degree, which is fantastic.”
Durham County Council will continue to advertise further apprenticeship vacancies throughout the year at www.northeastjobs.org.uk
Pictured above: Gemma Rodgerson with fellow apprentices Gregory Artley (left), Matthew Clogg (middle) and Ewan Brown (right).