Derbyshire County Council invests in future talent through apprenticeship programme
More than 30 new apprentices have started their careers with Derbyshire County Council, as part of the Apprenticeship Programme 2026.
The 36 apprentices will support a wide range of council services, including highways, finance, business support and catering, while developing skills, gaining qualifications and building workplace experience.
The new starters will follow nationally recognised training programmes, delivered by approved training providers, lasting between 15 months and three years.
An induction event was held at County Hall, Matlock, for the apprentices to learn more about the council's values, the support available to them and the opportunities ahead. They also took part in an outdoor pursuits and team-building day at Lea Green Learning and Development Centre. Activities included low ropes courses, archery, bushcraft and orienteering.
Councillor Stephen Reed, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Business Services, who joined apprentices at Lea Green for the event, said:
"I am delighted to welcome our new apprentices to the council, joining us in a wide range of roles across many different service areas.
“Our apprenticeship programme provides a fantastic opportunity to gain skills, recognised qualifications and experience while earning a wage and building a rewarding career in the public service.
"We are committed to supporting our apprentices throughout their journey, providing the guidance and training they need to develop, succeed and fulfil their potential.
"I look forward to seeing them thrive and make a positive contribution to our communities across Derbyshire."
Since 2020, nearly 800 council employees have successfully completed an apprenticeship.
One of those is Lucy Jay, a Senior Organisation Development Lead with Derbyshire County Council.
She said: “After graduating from university, I needed practical workplace experience to complement my academic learning.
“Starting as a Learning and Development Consultant Business Partner Level 5 apprentice gave me the opportunity to continue developing my skills while gaining valuable hands-on experience.
“Apprenticeships can open so many doors. They've helped me develop professionally, gain qualifications and progress my career, and I'd encourage others to take advantage of the opportunities available.”
The Apprenticeship Programme 2026 has been developed with support from the Resources Scrutiny Committee, working with council officers to design a programme that spans all sectors of the authority. This approach helps the council to increase its use of the apprenticeship levy to cover the cost of the qualification.
As the council’s annual pay bill is over £3 million, it contributes 0.5% to the apprenticeship levy, a government-managed fund that can only be used to pay for apprenticeship training.
Employment costs will be managed within existing council salary budgets.
Find out more about apprenticeships at Derbyshire County Council
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