Pictured at County Hall, Matlock are (front) Chair of the Resources Scrutiny Committee Councillor Sarah Reaney and finance assistant apprentice Lily Atkin, (back, left to right) Matt Simms who has completed his Business Administration level 3 apprenticeship, and finance assistant apprentice Will Lathwood.
From school and college leavers to graduates seeking vocational pathways, the Apprenticeship Programme offers opportunities across the council, from highways, catering, finance and business services to social care and health, combining on-the-job experience with gaining a qualification.
The innovative new programme has been driven by members of our Resources Scrutiny Committee working closely with officers to design a programme that spans all sectors of the authority, helping us to increase our use of the levy to cover the cost of the qualification. We pay into the apprenticeship levy at a rate of 0.5% because our annual pay bill is over £3 million, and it is this pot of money, managed by the Government, which can only be spent on apprenticeship training.
Employment costs will be managed within existing council salary budgets.
All the apprenticeships are nationally recognised and follow a structured training programme delivered by approved training providers, and as well as learning and training for a specific job, those on the programme get paid and receive paid holiday leave.
Line manager and training provider support is provided throughout the period of the apprenticeship, which can last from 12 months to 5 years depending on the role, and all apprenticeships lead to recognised qualifications and offer the chance of permanent employment within the council.
There are currently 23 apprenticeship positions being advertised on our jobs website with the new intake due to start this September. There is still time to apply for the positions and people are being encouraged to look into what’s involved now.
Since 2020 nearly 800 council employees have successfully completed an apprenticeship and there are currently more than 280 members of staff currently completing an apprenticeship, rising to just over 340 including schools.
Launching the new Apprenticeship Programme 2026 Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership Councillor Alan Graves said:
“I’m delighted to highlight the launch of our exciting new Apprenticeship Programme which has been created to give young people clear, practical access to the many opportunities available across the council. Whether someone is leaving school, finishing college or looking for a change in career direction, this innovative new programme is there to help them take their next important step.
“It has been made possible thanks to the tireless work of Councillor Sarah Reaney as Chair of the Resources Scrutiny Committee, working with her team, alongside council officers who manage our learning offer. Their dedication over the past months has brought this initiative from concept to reality. And as well as benefiting Derbyshire’s young people, we are using previously underused government funds for apprenticeships, so that it will run at no extra cost to the council.”
Council Cabinet Member for Business Services Councillor Stephen Reed said:
“This is a really innovative and exciting programme and recognises that not everyone chooses a university route when considering their next steps, and vocational pathways are equally valuable. I am sure we will get some really strong candidates applying for a place and I look forward to meeting them.”
Our Resources Scrutiny Committee is a cross-party committee responsible for monitoring council performance, improving services and reviewing policy decisions. It focuses on financial, administrative, HR-related matters and internal resources to promote effective community services.
Chair of the Resources Scrutiny Committee Councillor Sarah Reaney said:
“A lot of hard work has gone into developing this new Apprenticeship Programme and I’m exceptionally proud of what has been achieved.
“It is a real testament to what can be done when Elected Members and council staff work together with vision and commitment. Derbyshire now has a programme that offers meaningful opportunities and a bright future for our local workforce.’’
Find out more information and watch a short video made with current apprentices talking about their experiences of the programme.