TRAINING for the apprentices at Durham University is being funded by the Apprenticeship Levy, which gives employers the opportunity to invest in high-quality training, retrain and develop their current staff and help to develop a skilled workforce.

Apprenticeship-based training provides opportunities for new roles within the University and also helps existing staff to develop with professionally delivered accredited courses, which are relevant to their role.

The University has appointed apprentices in the finance department, estates and facilities, computer and information services, accommodation and commercial services, department of physics, department of biosciences, human resources and organisation development and the operations directorate.

At the end of the Apprenticeship Levy year, Durham University can transfer up to 25 per cent of their unused funds to other businesses to help them fund apprenticeship training for their staff.

Business administration apprentice Joseph Summerson, 17, from Esh Winning, said: “I am really enjoying my time working at Durham University as an apprentice, everyday it feels as though I am learning something new that is not only benefitting me now on the job, but will also benefit me for my future.

“Being able to experience what it’s like in a workplace already is something that I am thoroughly enjoying as well as being able to work in a team.”

Biosciences apprentice Abby Forster, 24, from Ferryhill, said: “Working in Biosciences, no day is the same. A lot of my job is putting out practical equipment ready for the students and as a department we do get the opportunity to accompany the students on their field work practicals.

“Since starting my apprenticeship I have met so many great people who are so supportive of your learning. There are so many interesting aspects of the job such as setting up practicals, seeing how pieces of equipment work, and learning how to make up chemical solutions.

“I thoroughly enjoy my time here and know that in the future, there will be so many opportunities for me in order to be able to kick start my career working at Durham University.”

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