North Northants Council takes on six new apprentices – including first female out of 109 in total

Among them is the first female apprentice to join the team, which the council says is ‘a significant step forward in an industry where women remain under-represented in the UK.’

Evonne Coleman-Thomas, assistant director of strategic housing, development and property services, said: “I’m proud to welcome this talented group of apprentices to North Northamptonshire Council.

"Apprenticeships like these are a vital part of our future, helping us grow a skilled workforce that supports residents and strengthens local services.”

Each new recruit will develop skills in multiple trades, with a day release to study coinciding with on the job training.

They will spend two years learning and working across a selection of trades including carpentry, electrical, bricklaying, plumbing, plastering and painting and decorating, which will enable them to choose which trade they would like to specialise in.

The blend of study and practical learning will offer an ideal way to learn, practice and develop a portfolio of work, according to NNC.

Their joining brings the number of council apprentices up to 109 (plus another 40 individuals waiting to start in the coming months) and a success retention rate of 100 per cent at 12 months.

With the six new apprentices assigned to the council’s housing maintenance and trades team, the total number throughout NNC sits at more than 100, with one of the six being the first and only female.

Adele Wylie, chief executive of North Northamptonshire Council, said: “It’s a privilege to meet our six new apprentices and I am personally delighted that a woman is joining as an apprentice in our maintenance trades team.

"We want all of our apprentices to thrive and live our council values through their work and learning programme so we can continue to offer the very best employment and service experience for our communities.”