National Apprenticeship Week at Dover District Council - (L-R) Communications officer apprentice Narisse Tait and HR and Health & Safety apprentice Rihanna Overall.
As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2026 this week (9-15 Feb), DDC is reminding local businesses they can apply for funding to support them in taking on an apprentice.
This follows the launch of the Apprenticeship Levy transfer scheme in the district as part of National Apprenticeship Week in February 2025 and news that DDC was welcoming the success of the scheme in December 25.
Funds continue to be made available through the scheme to encourage employers to boost their businesses and discover new talent or develop the skills of existing employees through apprenticeships. The council continues to provide this opportunity by offering to transfer part of its apprenticeship levy fund to local businesses.
DDC has also offered a range of apprenticeships, graduate placements and work experience within the authority, and currently has four apprentices.
Narisse Tait is a Communications Officer Apprentice at DDC and working towards a Level 3 Content Creation Apprenticeship.
She said: “I have always enjoyed being creative however lacked the experience and knowledge to progress a career in the creative industry. This opportunity at DDC was a great way to work and learn and provide new opportunities for my career development.
“I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone as it is a great way to gain valuable hands-on experience.”
Noah Cover is a Building Surveyor Apprentice at DDC and is completing a Level 2 Building Surveyor Apprenticeship.
Grace Dunster is a Community Development Apprenticeship at DDC and is completing a Level 3 Business Administration course.
She said: “I applied for this apprenticeship purely because of my passion for supporting others. Knowing that my job would have a positive impact on individuals is what gave me the motivation to apply.”
Rhianna Overall is a HR and Health & Safety apprentice and has been an apprentice at Dover District Council for two years, progressing from a Level 3 to a Level 5 HR Apprenticeship.
She said: “I support and collaborate on a range of HR projects, work closely with the wider team to achieve successful outcomes, assist in organising HR events such as the Health & Wellbeing Day, and help manage recruitment activities. This role has given me valuable, full exposure to the HR function.”
DDC leader Cllr Kevin Mills said: “We are committed to helping people develop the skills they need to pursue the careers they aspire to.
“As a council, we offer apprenticeship placements and have seen our apprentices thrive, delivering real benefits both to Dover District Council and to their own professional development.
“We are very pleased to make this funding available to local businesses, enabling them to grow while making the most of the talent available across our district.
“For apprentices, this offers the chance to combine work with study — gaining valuable hands on experience, earning a salary and achieving recognised qualifications.”
For more information on apprenticeships, or full eligibility criteria for the Apprenticeship Levy scheme in the district or details on how to apply to the scheme, please see the Apprenticeships page on the DDC website.
Posted on 09 February 2026