Posted on: Wednesday 11 February 2026
More than half a million pounds is due to be spent on expanding the council's apprenticeship programme in the next financial year.
A total of £400,000 has been earmarked to create 12 Level 2 to Level 6 posts, in addition to £250,000 for a school leaver apprentice scheme which was launched last year.
The council has increased funding for apprenticeship posts over the past 2 years, as part of a Career Development Scheme to attract a more diverse workforce.
Since then, 28 apprentices have been appointed in areas including business support, legal, finance, highways maintenance and project management, three of whom have already found permanent employment.
Alydia-Rose Jarman, from Cwmbran, joined the council as a Communications Apprentice in September.
She said: "My apprenticeship has given me the chance to develop real skills while contributing to meaningful work across the council."
"National Apprenticeship Week is a brilliant celebration of how these opportunities can open up new pathways and help people begin their careers with confidence, giving apprentices like me the chance to build skills, gain experience and grow professionally.”
Tina Hume, Head of HR, said: "As a council, we're committed to helping people gain qualifications and skills to lead positive lives.
"We're a significant employer with around 4,000 staff, many of whom live in the borough and spend their entire working lives with us. This means we have a workforce that is passionate about the borough and has a wealth of knowledge and experience to offer people at the start of their careers."
Apprentices are employed for up to two years and are supported to complete accredited qualifications. Successful applications receive the Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage and can apply for permanent positions at any point during their apprenticeship.
The school leaver apprentice scheme will offer young people, aged 16 and above, council apprenticeships as an alternative to further education.
The Career Development Programme also includes trainee posts for specialist or hard to recruit positions and opportunities for staff to develop their skills.
This week is National Apprenticeships Week.