A HISTORIC seat of learning has received recognition for its work with young apprentices it employs.

Durham University will represent the North-East in the National Apprenticeship Awards final after winning the large employer of the year category in the regional heat.

About 95 youngsters have completed an apprenticeship since the university started employing apprentices ten years ago. Of those, 72 are still employed by the institution.

Stonemasonry apprentices have been involved in the conservation of the city cathedral, and horticulture apprentices have been responsible for caring for some of the world’s rarest plants in the university’s botanic gardens.

Most recently, sports apprentice Kieren Emery was a star performer for the GB rowing team in the Youth Olympics, which brought home two gold medals and one silver in January.

University vice-chancellor Professor Christopher Higgins said: “The apprenticeship programme has been, and continues to be, a great success.

“It is an important part of the university’s efforts to develop a workforce with the skills we need to compete effectively in a global marketplace and to ensure that we have the leadership and management required to pursue the university’s mission and strategy – to become internationally recognised as a worldclass research-led university.”

“It has certainly been a pleasure to see colleagues using the experiences of their apprenticeships to grow and develop in their careers,”

The national final takes place in London on July 16.