Young people interested in a career in local government can now apply for a popular apprenticeship opportunity.

Applications are open for the latest Waveney District Council (WDC) and Suffolk Coastal District Council (SCDC) apprenticeship scheme, which helps young people kick-start their careers in local government.

Ten opportunities are available in a number of teams, including Food and Safety, Procurement, ICT, Property Information, Planning Support, Economic Regeneration, Communities and Housing Needs.

In a joint statement, Craig Rivett - WDC's cabinet member for customer services - and TJ Haworth-Culf - SCDC's cabinet member for customers, community and leisure - emphasised the councils' desire to ensure young people are provided with the means to find work.

'We are committed to offering local young people opportunities to grow and fulfil their potential,' they said. 'Our established apprenticeship scheme offers a secure route into permanent employment with plenty of additional benefits.

'The scheme is always popular and we would encourage anyone interested to apply for these varied and exciting roles.'

The various apprenticeship roles offer a host of benefits, including a fully funded qualification, invaluable workplace skills, training and development opportunities and generous annual leave entitlements.

Over 70pc of apprentices stay with the councils once their apprenticeship has finished and continue to have long careers in local government.

The scheme gives young people a clear pathway from education into work and teaches them essential skills including questioning and listening, giving feedback and managing relationships - crucial abilities in employment.

It also serves to benefit existing council staff by developing their supervisory and management skills, as well as enabling them to become mentors.

After their apprenticeship year is complete, the apprentices are encouraged to apply for alternative roles within the councils, giving them the opportunity to secure permanent employment and also creating a vacancy for a new apprentice.

Applications for the Planning and Property Information positions close on July 23, while all other applications close on July 29.

For more information on the apprenticeship opportunities and details on how to apply, visit the east Suffolk councils website.