Mid Devon District Council has been given recognition for its outstanding commitment and contribution to the development of apprentice programmes in this year’s annual Petroc awards.

The Awards celebrate the very best employers, apprentices and apprenticeship champions across the area, highlighting those whose creativity, commitment, experience and strong leadership has helped them achieve success.

The recognition coincides with the college and Council both marking National Apprenticeship Week, which this year runs from 8-14 February 2021.

The Council has supported the apprenticeship programme for many years and joined national apprenticeship levy in 2017. It currently has 17 members of staff undertaking an apprenticeship; 10 of these are employed as apprentices while seven are members of staff completing them to upskill within their role.

The programme, led by Learning and Development Specialist Helen Duke, works with a number of colleges and online institutions but has particularly close links locally with Petroc.

Apprenticeships currently being undertaken with the Council include roles within building services, leisure, property services, public health, housing, planning, street scene, finance, ICT and HR and range from carpentry courses to accountancy to fitness. The level of award is also varied across the spectrum with GCSE level courses, masters degree level awards and everything in between catered for within the authority.

Matthew Page, Corporate Manager for People, Governance and Waste, said: “At a time of great challenge for younger people, with the Covid pandemic and related unemployment, it’s fantastic that Mid Devon has been recognised for our commitment to the national apprentice programme. We look forward to continuing to work with all of our apprentices and wish to thank them for their contribution to the Council and our workforce. As well as offering current employees the chance to gain more skills through the programme we will also be welcoming many more apprentices to our team over the coming years.”

Councillor Nikki Woollatt, Cabinet Member for the Working Environment and Support Services, added: “It is brilliant to see the Council being recognised for its efforts to further develop our work regarding Apprenticeships. The provision of support and work opportunities for Mid Devon is critical at this difficult time and I would like to congratulate everyone who has been involved in getting this award.”

Julie Yates, Head of Business Engagement at Petroc, said: "I am really pleased that Mid Devon District Council have won this category. The award highlights their excellent contribution towards the development of apprenticeships and a culture that has been embedded to nurture all apprentices."

To find out more about apprenticeships visit: apprenticeships.gov.uk

You can also see Mid Devon's latest vacancies.