NORTHUMBERLAND County Council has won a regional award, recognising its work to recruit apprentices.

The council won the Recruitment Excellence Award at the Regional Apprenticeship Awards 2018, while it was also highly commended as Macro Employer of the Year in the North-East region.

The awards showcase the range of sectors which offer apprenticeships, as well as celebrating outstanding employers and apprentices.

The county council, which was up against a wide range of industries and occupations in the running for the awards, has recruited more than 2,000 apprentices across the council, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust and council-maintained schools.

It has seen a strong success rate, with 91 per cent of apprentices progressing to higher level apprenticeships or full employment with the council.

A team of 40 ambassadors represent a range of apprenticeships, which they promote through activities like career fairs, pop-up events and networking events.

Service director of education and skills Dean Jackson said: “This is fantastic news for the council and a really well-deserved achievement for the whole team involved. As a council, we are passionate about supporting young people to come through our organisation, as they are our council leaders and managers of the future.

“The award highlights the dedication of the team and advocates an exciting time ahead for learning and skills for people living in Northumberland.”

Northumberland County Council’s success will see it placed on the shortlist for the national awards.