Earn. Learn. Qualify. Do you want to earn while you learn, with the chance of progression once you qualify? Do you want the opportunity to grow, develop and be the best version of yourself? Then why not build the foundations of your career with an Apprenticeship at Durham County Council. Why choose Durham County Council? We offer a wide range of rewards and benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement – find out more information here We encourage a great work/life balance! Many of our roles operate under our ‘hybrid working’ policy, which gives you the opportunity of flexible, home and office working. We have a successful track record in supporting our apprentices to secure permanent employment, with 3 in 4 apprentices securing a further role with us. We have been recognised as a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer! As a Disability Confident Leader, and a member of the North East England Rainbow Alliance, we are committed to equality and diversity in the workplace – find out more here You will learn from skilled professionals whilst being supported to study towards a recognised qualification with a college/university/training provider. We will support you every step of the way, with a dedicated Mentor, the option of a buddy for disabled new employees and great networking opportunities with other apprentices. Durham County Council is a fantastic place to work but if you need convincing, we’ve asked some of our apprentices to share their own stories at Apprenticeships at Durham County Council. You can also hear from John Hewitt, our Chief Executive, and how his career started with an apprenticeship. Apprentice (Painter and Decorator) If you have an eye for detail, this could be the apprenticeship for you! As an Apprentice Painter and Decorator, you will join Durham County Council’s highly skilled Strategic Facilities Maintenance Service, and you will have the opportunity to develop the skills and competencies to be able to assist in the delivery of both contract and repairs and maintenance works within the local authority Your day-to-day duties will include supporting the Strategic Facilities Maintenance Service and wider team, with repairs and maintenance, as well as promoting and developing working practices and procedures to improve the Health and Safety culture. You will ensure compliance with standards, policies and procedures and promote the service to both existing and potential customers. This apprenticeship is an excellent choice for those with an ambition to progress! What qualification will I gain? You will study towards the Painter and Decorator Level 2 standard with New College Durham. What will I need? You must either have or expect to achieve 2 GCSE’s grade 9-3/AE in English and Maths or an equivalent qualification, together with good communication and ICT skills and the ability to work as part of a team Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed. Further information? We encourage you to contact Jen Straughan-Hawley, Property Manager, via email jen.straughan-hawley@durham.gov.uk if you have any questions about this opportunity. Support Available We are running a series of virtual sessions via MS Teams to provide support on how to complete your application form, if you would like to attend a session, please complete the following form DurhamWorks If you are aged 16-24 living in County Durham and not in education, employment, or training, you can take advantage of the help and support available from DurhamWorks. This dedicated programme works with you to remove any barriers preventing you from progressing. Visit DurhamWorks Employability Durham If you are aged 25 and over, unemployed and live in County Durham, Employability Durham can offer you help and support to get back into work or start your own business. Visit EmployabilityDurham DurhamEnable If you are 18, have a neurodivergence or disability and fit the criteria, DurhamEnable offers dedicated Job Coaching support from pre-application to post employment. Helping disabled people get and keep the right jobs for them. Visit Durhamenable VPRS/161