AN apprenticeship scheme that drew 900 applications has been praised by a regional awards scheme.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s apprenticeship scheme recruited 40 new apprentices across a range of services last year.

By the end of last year more than 100 council employees were on an apprentice contract or undertaking an apprenticeship qualification.

This success has led to the council being named runner up for Overall Employer of the Year at Northern Skills Group Apprenticeship Awards 2020 for the Tees Valley and North Yorkshire region.

Councillor Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: “I started out as an apprentice myself many years ago – it provided absolutely vital on the job experience and helped massively as I progressed through the world of work."

He added: “The apprentices we took on last year have done brilliantly so far."