NORTH Somerset Council has been ranked as one of the country’s best 100 apprentice employers.

It was one of eight councils to make the list, which was announced at the National Apprenticeship Service awards ceremony in Birmingham earlier this month.

The authority currently employs 20 apprentices and hopes to welcome nine more in the coming months.

Council leader Nigel Ashton said: “We attract talented young people who join us with a diverse range of qualities and skills, bringing with them a fresh outlook and approach to work.

“They are enthusiastic and innovative, have new ideas and ways of thinking, and show a great deal of initiative.

“We are committed to retaining them in the organisation and, whilst we do not guarantee them employment at the end of their contracts, we operate a succession planning scheme.”