Council welcomes new apprentices

The group, which are starting apprenticeships in everything from ICT to horticulture, have attended an event in the Mayor's Parlour at City Hall, where they were officially welcomed to their new roles.

The group is made up of two horticulture apprentices, two ICT apprentices, and two bereavement services tech apprentices.

There are also apprentices starting work in customer service, paviour, vehicle fitting, turf and arboriculture.

Welcoming the apprentices to the city council, Chief Executive Patrick Melia said: "This is such an exciting time to be joining Sunderland City Council; there's so much going on around the city at the moment and this is a great chance to be part of that development."

He added: "I'm delighted to welcome our new cohort of apprentices and wish them all the very best with their training. I hope they enjoy their apprenticeships, and that they will be the first step in successful careers."

The apprenticeships are being carried out in partnership with a variety of different college and training providers and can last anywhere between 14 months and three years.

Leader of Sunderland City Council, Cllr Graeme Miller, said: "Apprentices are a key part of the country's workforce and future, and here in Sunderland apprenticeships have an important role to play as we embark on achieving our ambitious City Plan.

"It's absolutely vital for the future that we continue to invest in apprenticeships, recognise the value and contribution that apprentices can bring to Sunderland City Council and that we offer the support our apprentices need."

Tiegan Harvey started working as an apprentice in customer service at Sunderland City Council three years ago and has since gone on to secure full time employment in the council's customer services team. She said: "The apprenticeship as a whole was such an enjoyable experience and I really enjoy speaking to the customers and helping to make a difference.

"I would happily recommend an apprenticeship to anyone that's even thinking about it, I'm coming up to my third year with the council and I love working here."