Tendring’s flagship apprenticeship programme, Career Track, continues to go from strength to strength — offering life-changing opportunities for young people and helping to build a skilled local workforce.

Career Track, which launched by Tendring District Council (TDC) in 1983, has supported more than 500 apprentices in the past decade, with many going on to secure long-term employment in both the public and private sectors.

Today, the programme supports 54 apprentices, including 29 working within the Council itself and others placed with local authorities across Essex, Suffolk, Kent, and London.

Career Track plays an important role in addressing the district’s educational and employment challenges, helping to raising aspirations and ensuring residents gain skills, confidence, and meaningful employment.

Councillor Gina Placey, Cabinet Member for Partnerships at TDC, praised the programme’s continued success.

“Career Track is more than just an apprenticeship provider — it’s a launchpad for local talent,” she said.

“We’re incredibly proud of the positive impact it has had on so many lives over the years.

“Whether it’s helping a young person take their first step into the world of work or supporting our own services with skilled and motivated staff, Career Track is a shining example of what local government can achieve when it invests in people.

“As part of our corporate plan, Our Vision, we’re committed to raising aspirations and creating real opportunities for our residents, while working with partners to improve quality of life and strengthening our local workforce.”

Career Track was rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted following its most recent inspection, with inspectors noting that apprentices “enjoy their learning and feel valued by staff”.

Around one in five current Council employees began their careers as Career Track apprentices, underlining the programme’s importance as a recruitment route for the authority.

Despite national funding pressures, Career Track continues to operate on a non-profit basis and has expanded its partnerships with other councils to help sustain the service.

This growth has led to a 32 per cent increase in apprentice numbers over the past year, while also reducing the net cost of the service to the Council.

TDC’s Cabinet reaffirmed its support for Career Track after welcoming the programme’s annual review, as well as endorsing plans to ensure its continued success, at a meeting on Friday, 27 June.

‍