A council apprenticeship programme that has helped hundreds of local people take their first steps into work is continuing to shape Tendring District Council’s workforce more than 40 years after it was launched.

One in five of TDC’s current employees began their career through Career Track — showing the council’s long-running commitment to helping local people build careers in the public sector.

Launched by the council in 1983, Career Track has supported more than 500 apprentices over the past decade alone, with many going on to secure jobs, further training or higher education after completing their apprenticeship.

There are currently 44 apprentices on programme, including 18 employed directly by TDC, with others placed in councils and public sector organisations across Essex, Suffolk, Kent and London. A further ten apprenticeship opportunities are also currently being advertised.

The programme remains a key part of the council’s work to tackle local challenges around skills and employment, giving residents practical routes into work while supporting public sector employers to develop the staff they need for the future.

Councillor Gina Placey, TDC Cabinet Member for Partnerships, said: “Career Track is about giving our residents a real chance to succeed. For many young people, it provides that crucial first step into a career – building confidence, skills and ambition along the way.

“We know that Tendring faces challenges around education and employment, and this programme is part of how we address that – by investing directly in our people.

“It’s fantastic to see so many apprentices progressing into jobs, higher education or further training, and we are proud to continue growing this offer for our residents.”

The latest annual review, approved by TDC’s Cabinet on Friday (24 July), highlights the continued strength and impact of the programme. In 2025/26, Career Track achieved a 94 per cent success rate, significantly above the Government’s national ambition of 67 per cent for apprenticeship providers.

The review also shows that apprentices are moving on to positive next steps, with 86 per cent of those who successfully completed the programme progressing directly into employment, and others going into higher education or further Level 3 study.

With most current apprentices aged between 16 and 24, Career Track continues to provide an important pathway for young people taking their first steps into work and future careers.

Within TDC itself, Career Track has become an important route for bringing local talent into the organisation, helping the council grow its own skilled workforce.

The programme has received external recognition too, with Ofsted rating it as a ‘Good’ provider, highlighting the quality of training and support available to learners.

Career Track is also supporting wider partnership working across the public sector, helping develop skills across Tendring and neighbouring areas as local government evolves.

Councillor Placey added: “This is a fantastic example of how we are creating opportunities for our residents.

“By working with partners and investing in skills, we’re not only changing individual lives, but also strengthening our communities and the future public sector workforce.”

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