Apprenticeships with Dorset Council are proving to be a real asset for up-skilling the workforce and giving employees opportunities to fast track their careers.

The number of people undertaking an apprenticeship has increased by 52 per cent, from 154 to 232 employees.

The success of the programme can be largely attributed to a wider range of apprenticeships opportunities, and more employees choosing to complete apprenticeship to up-skill themselves further and grow their professional qualifications.

The apprenticeship programme, run in collaboration with specialist apprenticeship providers, marries on-the-job training and theoretical learning, so apprentices can apply their learning in in a work-related environment while obtaining a more in-depth background into their chosen sector.

Cllr Spencer Flower, leader of Dorset Council, said: "Dorset Council is committed to developing the workforce and become an employer of choice. Apprenticeships is one of our priority areas to achieve this.

"We have established an Apprenticeship Board to drive investment in young people and employees now and into the future, and also to address the skills shortages in particular fields.

"By 2025 we will have 21 social workers graduating, so apprenticeships are a fantastic way to grow our own talent.

"We are also developing apprenticeship opportunities for our care leavers to help them with the first step in their career.

"I feel it's important to celebrate the brilliant achievements of the council apprentices at all levels and all their hard work across many of the council service areas.''

Apprenticeships combine on the job training with nationally recognised qualifications. There's a whole range of career opportunities in public services across Dorset.

Find out more:  www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/becoming-apprentice#