County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) are proud to announce that they have been ranked 26th best apprenticeship employer in the country, being one of only two Fire and Rescue Services out of the 100.
First launched in 2020, the ‘Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers’ rankings are developed by the Department of Education, in partnership with High Fliers Research, who independently assess and rank the nation’s top apprenticeship employers.
The rankings are calculated based on a company’s commitment to employing apprentices, the creation of different apprenticeship programmes, the diversity of their apprentices, and the number of those who complete the programme and progress further with their employer.
The Service currently has forty-seven apprentices, which vary from frontline firefighters, workshop mechanics, control room operators and many more within the corporate departments.
This achievement comes as a CDDFRS dedicated efforts in providing a supportive and inclusive work environment for apprentices, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth. The Services investment in apprenticeships not only benefits the apprentices, but also contributes to the development of a highly skilled and diverse workforce, which in turn helps the communities they are here to serve and protect.
Chief Fire Officer Steve Helps said: “We are incredibly proud to be recognized as the 26th top apprenticeship employer in the country. This accomplishment reflects our commitment to providing valuable learning experiences and supporting the growth of apprentices within our Service.
“This ranking also reflects the findings by His Majesty’s Inspectorate for Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services which highlighted the Service’s ‘effective and successful apprenticeship programme’ as notable practice in its latest inspection report.”
Cllr John Shuttleworth, Chair of County Durham and Darlington Combined Fire Authority commented: “I am so proud to see that CDDFRS has been ranked so highly. This recognition showcases the Services unwavering commitment to fostering talent development, providing valuable opportunities, and investing in the future workforce.”
