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Jacob Sycamore, Recycling & Waste apprentice
Jacob Sycamore, Recycling & Waste apprentice

East Devon District Council is proud to be an Apprenticeship Ambassador, offering a range of apprenticeships across our service areas.

All of our apprenticeships are advertised on our latest vacancies page. 

How apprenticeships work

Apprenticeships allow you to combine work and education by mixing on the job training with study for a recognised qualification.   

There is no age limit to being an apprentice. You may be a:

  • School leaver
  • University graduate
  • Someone who has worked for a number of years who may want to change career
  • Existing employee who wants to gain a qualification in their current field of work  

As an apprentice, you will be employed by East Devon District Council on an apprenticeship contract and you will undertake a programme of study alongside working.  

During your apprenticeship you will gain skills and knowledge relevant to the sector and these will help you to succeed in your chosen career.  

You’ll be part of a team and will undertake real work like any other employee but you will have more support and will be learning from experienced professionals.

Depending on the apprenticeship type and the education provider, off-the-job learning may involve attending college one day a week or in blocks. Learning will also take the form of e-learning, webinars, or onsite classes.     

You will also be assigned a work place mentor/buddy and an academic mentor, both of whom will provide help and support during your apprenticeship.    

You will also be entitled to 20% off-the-job learning to attend lectures, writing up assignments, shadowing, or attending meetings which facilitate learning.

The length of the apprenticeship contract will usually be the estimated time taken to complete the level of qualification you are enrolled on.

What do our apprentices have to say about their apprenticeship experience?

An apprenticeship is a whole new style of learning and is a fabulous way to get away from a school/college environment. It is a way to get your foot in the door and can lead on to many opportunities that you would never get a chance to experience if you went to college or school.

Doing an apprenticeship at East Devon District Council has showed me so many things that I never would see if I chose to stay at college. Everyone here is kind and are always happy to help where they can. The Council environment is brilliant and makes you feel welcome.

Jacob, Legal Apprentice

How much will you earn as an apprentice?

As a rule, you will be paid for 37 hours per week. 

Apprentices are paid from the first day of their apprenticeship. The Council has aligned pay for apprentices with the Council’s grading structure and typically apprentice pay will reflect entry level grading of from £11.59 per hour.

Other benefits

As an apprentice with East Devon District Council, you will also receive 25 days paid holiday as well as public holidays, 2 extra statutory days and one locally agreed day. We also offer you a number of other benefits which are difficult to match in the private sector. 

Apprenticeships we have offered

We have provided a range of apprenticeships in the last few years in the following service areas:

  • Electoral Registration
  • Legal
  • Human Resources
  • Communications
  • Finance
  • Revenues and Benefits
  • Housing
  • Arborist
  • Horticulture
  • Planning

Levels of apprenticeship available

There are 6 different levels of apprenticeship:

  • Level 2 / Intermediate  - equivalent to five good GCSE Passes. 
  • Level 3 / Advanced - equivalent to 2 A-Level passes
  • Level 4 / Higher - equivalent to HNC, CertHE, Level 4 NVQ , BTEC or first year of University
  • Level 5/ Higher  - equivalent to DIPHE, HND, Level 5 NVQ, Level 5 BTEC, Foundation degree or second year of University
  • Level 6 / Higher - equivalent to BA or BSC degree, Graduate certificate, Level 7 NVQ or BTEC
  • Level 7/ Higher - equivalent to Meng, MA, Msc, Level 7 NVQ, PGCE or postgraduate Certificate

What happens after your apprenticeship period is completed?

Where possible we aim to retain our apprentices in permanent positions if one is available but this is not always guaranteed due to financial constraints. We do of course advertise all our vacancies internally and you will be encouraged to apply for any suitable positions as you near the end of your apprenticeship.

We aim to support an apprentice to find alternative employment and will help with CV preparation and interview skills in order to take the next step in your career. 

It may also be possible to extend your apprenticeship contract to complete the next level of apprenticeship if this is feasible.  

Educational establishments we have worked with

  • Exeter College
  • Bicton College
  • Bridgewater and Taunton college
  • Education Training and Skills
  • CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy
  • IRRV (Institute of Revenues, Rates and Valuations)

 Where we advertise our apprenticeships

We advertise all our apprenticeships on our website and on the National Apprenticeship website and also through the education provider hosting the particular qualification.