Career opportunities to learn and earn are on offer to school and college leavers in Essex, with 30 apprenticeships being advertised throughout November.

The 30 vacancies in 30 days include work in digital marketing, IT, business administration, sales and customer service.

They are offered by employers across the county including in Basildon, Billericay, Braintree, Colchester, Southend, Thurrock and Romford.

Hockley-based national employment and skills specialist Seetec is promoting the opportunities for young people to gain the qualifications, skills and experience to help them progress in the workplace.

Nikki Bardsley, Seetec’s head of apprenticeship operations, said: “Apprenticeships are a great way to start a career as they offer the flexibility of studying towards a professional qualification while earning a salary.

“They’re also an ideal opportunity for employers to develop the talent they need to bridge their skills gaps and equip their business for future growth.”

“Seetec’s group managing director, John Baumback, started with the company 30 years ago as an apprentice, so we practise what we preach.”

Southend United recently decided to increase its marketing, and turned to Seetec to recruit talented 18-year-old Callum Bishop as a digital marketing apprentice.

Seetec also offers “enhanced apprenticeships” which provide additional support to young people who lack the experience or confidence to secure employment.

With dedicated tutor and advisor support, young people gain a qualification, CV and interview preparation skills, and a short period of work experience to help them achieve a full apprenticeship or employment.

Bradley Scott, 17, of Chadwell St Mary, progressed from an enhanced apprenticeship working for Seetec to securing a one-year apprenticeship at a school in Westcliff.

He said: “The digital media in business course I completed with Seetec improved my social media skills and built my confidence, while helping me to progress towards a career in marketing.

“I feel that having this extra knowledge helped me secure my IT apprenticeship with Milton Hall School in Westcliff.

“I’m really enjoying the placement so far and have been assisting the media department with some marketing projects – something I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do if I had gone to college.”

He said he would recommend the extended apprenticeships.

Call Seetec on 01702 208270 or visit seetec.co.uk/apprenticeships