Somerset County Council has been named as one of Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK by the Department for Education.

 The County Council came in 67th on the prestigious list and was one of just three Local Authorities to be included in the Top 100.

 To mark the occasion, Somerset Support Services for Education apprentice Jess Cullen was invited to London to take part in a panel discussion for the YouTube broadcast of the Top 100 list.

 Jess, who is studying for her Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship, said: "Speaking in front of a group of people in a situation such as this was definitely out of my comfort zone, but I have always been well supported to pursue new opportunities within my work and my apprenticeship.

 "The other apprentices and I were welcomed by everyone in the studio, and it was great to meet people who have shared a similar experience to myself.

 "I hope that others who may have been watching the broadcast recognise that university isn't the only option for starting a career, and that an apprenticeship is a good opportunity to network, gain practical experience, and build industry knowledge and skills, with a qualification secured at the end."

The Top 100 list recognises the most outstanding apprenticeship employers for their vital work in boosting career opportunities.

The rankings attracted strong entries from across a wide range of industries including healthcare, banking, media and the automotive industry in the private, public and charitable sectors.

Cllr Liz Leyshon, Somerset County Council Executive Lead Member for Finance and Human Resources, said: "It is great news that Somerset County Council has been named as one of the country's most outstanding apprenticeship employers.

"Apprenticeships offer people the chance to gain the experience and skills needed to thrive in their chosen career while they contribute as a valued member of the Council's skilled workforce.

"To be named in the Top 100 is testament to the hard work that has gone in to developing Somerset County Council's excellent apprenticeship programme."

For more information on apprenticeship career opportunities with Somerset County Council, visit: Apprentices and Graduates (somerset.gov.uk).