The majority of apprentices and graduates are appointed on a permanent basis after their placements with us. We are investing over half a million pounds over three years, from 2019, on our apprentice and graduate scheme.
Earn while you learn
If you're eager to develop useful and relevant skills, and are brimming with fresh ideas, then an apprenticeship with us could be just the thing. As an apprentice you earn while you learn and receive extra benefits.
What you can expect
You will receive:
- competitive salary, as well as additional staff benefits
- hands-on experience, working alongside experienced professionals
- the opportunity to gain job-specific skills
- support to achieve a nationally recognised qualification (such as an NVQ) including time off for study
- advice and guidance to develop your career.
At the end of your apprenticeship you may be offered the chance to stay in your role or use your skills in a new role in another department.
All apprenticeships include elements of on-the-job and off-the-job training, leading to industry recognised standards or qualifications. Some apprenticeships also require an assessment at the end of the programme to gauge the apprentice’s ability and competence in their job role.
Entry requirements
- Apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 16, living in England and have no upper age limit
- There will be different entry requirements depending on the industry, job role and apprenticeship level
- Recent changes to the minimum English and maths requirements now mean that people with a learning difficulty or disability can now access a level 2 intermediate apprenticeship as long as they can achieve an entry level 3 qualification during their apprenticeship
- As a Disability Confident Employer we will offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria as defined by the employer.
Who can apply?
How do I apply?
We offer exciting apprenticeships in everything from gardening to business administration:
View our latest apprenticeship opportunities
Graduate scheme
We work in association with the National Graduate Development Programme to recruit graduates. The scheme seeks to attract highly talented, motivated and personally driven individuals who see a career working in and for local government as inspirational.
The scheme aims to develop individuals who will act as effective change agents and enablers in a council. The scheme is designed to help individuals realise their leadership potential in a vibrant and rapidly changing sector. The minimum entry requirement is a 2:2 degree, after which we measure candidates against eight key criteria.
In addition, we offer graduate training schemes in Planning, Environmental Health, Legal and Housing and Estate Surveying. Please see our Vacancies page for current graduate opportunities.
What our apprentices and graduates say
Don't just take our word for it, read what some of our past and present apprentices have to say...
Mike Griffiths, Corporate Graduate
I decided to take part in the Local Government Association's National Graduate Development Programme to give me exposure to a number of departments within the Council. As part of this two-year programme, I will complete four six-month placements and there is a real likelihood of a permanent role at the end.
The focus is very much on me and what my interests are and the placements are agreed accordingly. Since joining in October 2019, I've worked in both Supported Housing and Housing Development. I've already contributed to a variety of projects, including co-ordinating the handover period of a council housing new build, working with architects and engineers on design concepts and participating in public consultations for council developments.
The move to Hemel Hempstead from Liverpool was initially somewhat daunting. However, Dacorum Borough Council is a really welcoming and friendly organisation and the community it serves are equally so. It already feels like home!
Dwain Daniel, Housing Projects and Engagement Officer
I joined the Council in November 2013 as an apprentice. The first team I joined was the Empty Homes team. Shortly after that I began my studies (Housing Practices Level 3). The Council afforded me study days to complete my assignments as and when I needed them. This was a great help.
During this time, I moved on from the Empty Homes team to Strategic Housing. I spent roughly four months in various departments. Next, I moved into the Tenancy team, where I was given a patch to maintain (Tring). This was a great experience as I was doing the role of a Housing Officer whilst completing my studies at college.
After 18 months, I finished my course and continued to work in the Housing Tenancy team. Eventually, a position became available and I applied for this and was the successful candidate. I remained in the team until July 2019 when I took on a two-year secondment as a Housing Projects and Engagement Officer.
Heidi Carrington-Dunn, Human Resources Adviser
I was already employed by the Council in Central Admin and the opportunity came up to become an HR Trainee under the Apprenticeship Levy. I had always thought about pursuing a career in HR and working at the Council gave me the perfect start as I have been able to perform a variety of tasks, supporting the team and organisation.
Most of my learning is through on-the-job experience and building my confidence to deal with issues that may arise. I'm also earning money while working to get a qualification. I find the 20 per cent off-the-job study time invaluable to making sure my workload is completed and having a healthy work-life balance.
I'm now towards the end of completing my Level 3 and gaining a real-world understanding of the role. I've earned my position as part of the HR team and am now an HR Adviser - I'm well on my way to becoming fully qualified over the next few years and am excited at where this opportunity could lead.
Stephanie Bailey, Housing Projects and Engagement Officer
I've just started my apprenticeship course with Together Training, where I'm studying for a qualification through the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). This course will run for 18 months (19 September 2019 to 19 May 2021). At the end of the course, I hope to gain a qualification in CMI Level 3, Principles of Management and Leadership.
To meet the criteria of the course, I was required to have functional skills in maths, English and ICT - this is equivalent to a Level 2 or GCSE grade A-C. Unfortunately, I did not have the required grade in maths, so I'm retaking maths and plan to sit the exams in June 2020. I was disappointed at first, but Together Training have provided me with my own learning coach, and this has put my mind at ease. The course providers have also given me additional time to complete my maths and I can decide when is best for me to take my exams.
As part of the apprenticeship scheme, I'm required to do 20 per cent off-the-job training (OTJ), which is agreed with my line manager. I also provide evidence of additional learning through my skills, knowledge and behaviour, which I record as part of my future Development Action Plan. I then provide evidence of how this has improved my skills, knowledge and behaviours and record this as part of my personal development record (PDR) or continuing professional development (CPD). To ensure I'm doing 20 per cent OTJ training, I keep a log of all my activities and record these onto a Smart Assessor spreadsheet. To improve my understanding of each assignment, I attend a masterclass once a month at the Watford campus.
I'm only a few months into the course and already I've learnt so much, particularly about Emotional Intelligence. This has taught me how I can control my emotions in dealing with other people, without losing control of a situation. It has also taught me how I can maintain my professionalism at all times, which will enable me to become a successful manager.
More information
Find out more information about our apprenticeships in our frequently asked questions: