Dover District Council (DDC) is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2025 (Feb 10-16) by giving local businesses a fantastic opportunity to grow their teams and nurture new talent. The council is offering funding to help employers take on apprentices, giving them a real boost while creating valuable career pathways for local people.
DDC has been a champion of apprenticeships, graduate placements, and work experience since 2012, with a string of success stories to its name. Now, they’re sharing the wealth by transferring part of their apprenticeship levy fund to businesses across the district.
This means local employers can get financial support to train or recruit staff through apprenticeships lasting up to two years, with qualifications up to Level 4 on offer. It’s a win-win: businesses get skilled workers, and individuals gain valuable experience and recognized qualifications.
“We’re passionate about helping people develop the skills they need for fulfilling careers,”
says Cllr Kevin Mills, Leader of DDC.
“We’ve seen firsthand how apprenticeships benefit both the council and the individuals involved. Now, we want to give local businesses the same chance to grow and tap into the amazing talent we have right here in Dover. Apprenticeships offer the perfect mix of on-the-job learning and study, allowing people to earn while they learn and gain those all-important qualifications.”
Rhianna Overall, a rising star in DDC’s HR and Health & Safety team, is a prime example of apprenticeship success. After graduating from university in 2024, Rhianna chose an apprenticeship to gain practical experience. She explained:
“It was the perfect way to step into the working world,”
“I wanted to keep learning, but I also needed to earn. My apprenticeship at DDC has been brilliant – I’ve gained hands-on experience and learned from skilled professionals. The skills and qualifications I’m getting will make all the difference when I look for a full-time job. Apprenticeships make you stand out to employers.”
Find out more?
Local businesses in the Dover district can find full eligibility criteria and application details on the DDC website.
National Apprenticeship Week is a nationwide celebration of the power of apprenticeships. It showcases how they transform careers, boost businesses, and strengthen the economy. This year, Dover is leading the charge!