Wychavon District has honoured the success of its trainees and apprentices to mark National Apprenticeship Week.

For 50 years, Wychavon has fostered talented individuals, including Tracy Perkins, who began her journey in 1983 on a youth scheme and is now part of the engagement team.

Another success story can be found in Jack Williams, who joined 17 years ago as a planning apprentice.

Gaining a variety of civil engineering qualifications, he now holds the position of assistant engineer for projects.

He said: "I’d had enough of education and the idea of an apprenticeship appealed to me because I could earn money while getting qualifications."

His crowning achievement to date is the design of the Evesham VeloPark.

Mr Williams has also offered support to engineering assistant Joe Jones, who joined in 2017 and has completed BTECH, NVQ, and HNC qualifications.

Armin Gniwotta, a member of Wychavon’s finance team, joined after sixth form.

She said: "After Sixth Form I knew I didn’t want to continue in full-time education.

"Wychavon seemed genuinely interested in investing in me and I haven’t looked back since."

He has successfully attained Accountancy Levels 3 and 4 and is currently working towards a post-graduate level 7 qualification.

Katie Hellaby and Gemma Ranford, both of whom started as apprentices, have also ascended the ranks, with Ms Hellaby now studying for a Level 3 Business Administration qualification, and Ms Ranford serving as Droitwich Spa Place Projects Officer.

Miss Ranford said: "I love the opportunities my role offers me. I’m able to lead on and develop lots of creative projects."

"There is a lot of pressure to go to university but don’t rush into it as it may not be right for you."

Wychavon's commitment to growth extends beyond its own team, with schemes to help fund and support businesses taking on trainees, along with bursaries for apprentices' essential costs.

Councillor Richard Morris, executive board member for economic growth and tourism on Wychavon District Council, said: "I congratulate all those who take the apprenticeship route and employers offering apprenticeships.

"Apprenticeships open doors to a range of opportunities, as the experiences of our own staff shows."