NINE young people who joined Cumbria County Council (CCC) as highways apprentices have now secured full-time jobs with the authority.

The hard-working apprentices have all been offered permanent posts with highways teams, which maintain the county’s road network.

Cllr Keith Little, CCC cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “I’d like to congratulate our apprentices on securing permanent roles with our highways teams.

“We’ve got some fantastic young people in Cumbria and it’s crucial to our economy that we grow our own talent from within.

“Apprenticeships provide the chance for young people to earn and learn and develop a range of skills.”

Cllr Sue Sanderson, CCC cabinet member for schools and learning, said: “Apprenticeships give young people the opportunity to gain professional qualifications, work experience and a step on to the career ladder. The county council is very proud to continue promoting apprentices and we’re delighted with the ongoing success of our apprenticeship programme.”

The apprentices are:

- Jack Harrison, who has now secured a full-time role working in the Carlisle Network Team as a technician.

- Scott Watson, who is now working as an assistant technician in the Carlisle Network Team.

- Callum Banks, the Allerdale Network Team’s new technician.

- Rainy Canavan, who is now working in the Allerdale Network Team as an assistant technician.

- Kai Cunningham, who recently secured an assistant technician post with the Copeland Network Team.

- Kieron Jenkinson, who has secured a permanent role in the Streetworks Team as a streetworks permits officer.

- Shaun Gregg, who is now a highways operative in the Eden district.

- Lewis Phillips, who recently secured a position as a highways operative in Eden.

- Oliver Chapman, who recently secured a position as a highways operative in Barrow.