BLACKBURN with Darwen Council has welcomed more than 30 apprentices.

The new recruits met for the first time this week at an induction at Blackburn Town Hall. On Friday they were officially welcomed to their new posts by the leader of the council and chief executive.

They were among more than 200 candidates who applied for roles right across the authority – in departments ranging from highways to HR, finance, children’s services, environment and growth.

Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Cllr Mohammed Khan, said:

“As a council, we are passionate about supporting our young people in the borough and offering opportunities for our residents to build and develop their careers.

“We had an overwhelming response to our recruitment campaign for the apprenticeship programme and a really good standard of applicants. We offer fantastic training opportunities and it’s a way for them to get on-the-job experience and earn while they learn.

“I would like to wish them all the very best of luck in their new roles – I know that they will thrive here.”