With over 100 apprentices currently in the system for both Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, the Etc. providers deliver a wide range of apprenticeships tailored to meet the diverse needs of the sector.
These programmes are delivered across our group sites, including Stockton Riverside College, Redcar and Cleveland College, and Innersummit, which offers courses through Bede Sixth Form College. Learners benefit from flexible options, including face-to-face and remote learning, ensuring accessibility for all.
Currently, we have over 30 apprentices on programme for Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and more than 70 for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, supporting key roles that help the councils upskill, develop, and retain essential team members.
These roles span vital areas such as:
- Professional Services: business administration, customer service
- Leadership and Management: team leadership, operations management, senior leadership
- Core Skilled Areas: residential care, skilled trades
All of these are critical for delivering outstanding services in every local area, whether you’re based closed to us in the North-East, or further afield.
Joanne Wallace, business development coordinator, plays a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth apprenticeship journey for both employers and learners. She explains: “My role is to work with employers to identify the skills gaps and upskilling needs and then find the best route to fill those gaps whether it be apprenticeships/bootcamps or another type of training.
“I then assist with the recruitment and interviews, if needed, and organise the enrolment process. This includes advising the employers on funding options and costs, working with the employer to set up the DAS and send in the relevant paperwork and working with the learner to complete the pre-screening process and the enrolment paperwork.
“The Etc. is the best choice as we offer a bespoke and tailored approach to match employers’ needs. This starts from the initial discussions and goes all the way to working with the curriculum team to ensure that the content is relevant and delivery meets their business needs.”
Local authorities want trusted local partners, and our highly experienced staff deliver tailored apprenticeship solutions that help organisations to grow and thrive.
Lesley Petford, business support team leader from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, shared her experience: “The Etc. totally understands my business needs and has accommodated training days to assist with my team’s capacity. The process [was] very easy and straightforward, and I had regular contact with myself and the new starters.
“It has been an excellent service. They assisted and guided me through the process and when I have had any issues or problems Jo and Claire were always there to assist me. I feel fully supported and have two dedicated points of contact and the Etc. has been instrumental in the smooth onboarding and has assisted with any complication that has arisen.”
And at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, the apprenticeship partnership continues to bring real impact. Liz Purdy, OD service lead, shared: “Our experience of working with the Etc. to recruit and develop apprentices has been excellent. They are proactive, responsive and genuinely committed to supporting both us as an employer and the apprentices themselves.
“The whole process has always been clear and well-structured from start to finish, and their guidance at each stage makes everything straightforward and stress free. We’ve consistently felt well supported, and having a dedicated point of contact has made a real difference – they’re always available, approachable and ready to offer the right advice when we need it. These programmes have been instrumental in building skills, strengthening capability and supporting meaningful career progression across our organisation.”
Business administration apprentice, Skye enjoys her work with Redcar and Cleveland Council. Describing her journey so far, she said: “My family told me I should try and find an apprenticeship so I could gain experience and earn a wage, and I thought business administration was a good qualification to have. I work for the council and support the fleet department at work – my favourite module of training so far has been external factors that can affect an organisation, particularly how the political climate can impact a business.”
Stockton Borough Council’s Employee of the Year, James speaks equally as highly of the support from the college. He explained: “The role I do at the council has been brilliant, and its commitment to professional development has meant that I’m currently doing an apprenticeship to build on my leadership and management skills.
“It was the natural next step for me as I work to move up in the organisation and allows me to continue working whilst upskilling.”
You’re interested. What’s next?
Whether you’re a large employer or a smaller business, the Etc. is the provider for you.
Our flexible, high-quality apprenticeship programmes are designed to meet your needs and drive long-term success. By choosing the Etc., you’re not just filling roles – you’re creating a culture of growth, ensuring your teams have the skills and confidence to deliver exceptional services for years to come.
If you are interested in speaking to our business team about how we can support your company with skills and training for your workforce, we would love to hear from you at business@the-etc.ac.uk or 01642 865 557.
