CHESHIRE East Council’s highway service is helping young people pave the way to a career in transportation with the latest intake of apprentices and a graduate.

Since the launch of the apprentice scheme in 2012, 34 apprentices and four graduates have joined the highways service on a two-year programme, providing individuals with the skills required for the delivery of highways services in east Cheshire.

This year’s recruits include five young apprentices, from the Crewe and Macclesfield areas, employed in the highway service with four in highway maintenance, one in business administration and a graduate in highways structures.

Apprentices rotate between departments within the highways service and supplement their on-the-job training with studies at local colleges. Successful completion of the apprenticeship and course secures permanent employment with Cheshire East’s highways team.

Cllr Glen Williams, deputy cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said: “We are delighted to welcome a new group of enthusiastic young people and are committed to training the future of young professionals as we continue to deliver highway improvements throughout Cheshire East.

“The apprentice and graduate scheme has proved successful in growing highway skilled staff since it began in 2012. Ongoing training and support is provided to the individuals and we look forward to working together to help them gain their qualifications.”

Business administration apprentice Maddison Murphy, from Crewe, said: “I’m really looking forward to developing my career in highways and progressing with the training opportunities available. I’m keen to learn and meet new people to give me valuable experience for a future in highways.”

Apprentices and graduates account for seven per cent of employees at Cheshire East highways, exceeding the average in this industry.

CEC’s highway service is delivered by Ringway Jacobs, which has committed to the development of young people through its membership of ‘The Five Per Cent Club’.

This is an organisation that encourages public and private companies to have five per cent of their UK workforce made up of young people on structured training such as apprenticeship and graduate schemes.