BRAINTREE District Council will be hosting its first ever conference for apprentices across Essex.

The Essex Apprentice Conference takes place at Causeway House in Braintree on Friday July 1, and 60 apprentices will be in attendance.

Braintree MP James Cleverly will open the event and Essex paralympic gold medalist Danny Crates will also give a speech.

Barclays Bank will be giving a workshop on money management, the Central Training Group will give advice on how to secure the perfect job, Paul Hannaford will be discussing drug awareness and Brad Solomon, Managing Direct at CTG Group, will talk about building resilience and positive psychology.

James Cleverly MP said: “It is fantastic to see Braintree District Council leading the way as they host the first ever Essex Apprentice Conference.

"It will give our young people great opportunity to develop the skills they need to secure interesting and challenging jobs in the local area.”

The council will be taking on eight new apprentices to work in their offices in the coming months, adding to the 50 they have previously employed.

Tom Cunningham, Councillor responsible for Apprenticeships at Braintree District Council, said: “We at Braintree District Council have enthusiastic apprentices who help us deliver services and help shape our organisation for the better and I’m looking forward to welcoming eight more in September.

"We want to ensure that their time with us is a very positive and beneficial experience, both for them and for us as an employer.

"Like our businesses and organisations in the district, we’re all committed to giving young people the skills they need to get great jobs in our local area.”

For more information or to apply, visit www.braintree.gov.uk/jobs - the closing date for applications is Friday 29th July.