A GROUP of young workers s are helping to build a stronger workforce for the future for the region’s biggest local authority.

Over the last six months Durham County Council has recruited 20 apprentices to work in a range of front line services, including gas engineering, electrical engineering, HGV repairs and maintenance, waste collection, gardening, highway services, arboriculture and bereavement services.

The group, which was formally welcomed to the council at a special event, are learning the skills of their trades through on the job training and will work towards achieving a nationally recognised qualification.

Lee Clement, 19, who is a waste operative apprentice at the council’s Morrison Busty Depot, Annfield Plain, near Stanley, said: “As well as going through the relevant training I’ve also had hands on experience working with the crews on both refuse and recycling collection routes.

“I’ve seen the journey of both refuse and recycling from household to final destination and I’m looking forward to the opportunity of hopefully gaining my HGV licence at some point in the future.”

Oliver Sherratt, the county council’s head of direct services, said: “We provide a wide range of services in County Durham for which we need staff with the right skills and experience.

“Apprenticeships are an excellent opportunity to do this, providing essential skills, training and ¬ further education.”

“He added: They not only help shape the future of the young people involved, they also enable the council to develop a stronger workforce.”