News

Liam Pritchard was looking for a vacancy as a farm hand, With the support of DurhamWorks he managed to secure an interview, and then a work trial at Sprucely Farm in Sedgefield.

Michele Atkinson, an Employer Engagement Officer at DurhamWorks first met with Liam in June 2025. Liam had registered with DurhamWorks with the aim of getting help finding employment. It was Liam’s ambition to work a farm, but they also investigated and then applied for an agriculture course at Houghall College.

As Liam didn’t have a CV he and Michele worked on one together they also looked at online courses that could enhance his chances of finding employment, these included “First Aid at Work.”

They also started contacting local farms to see if there was any vacancies available and spoke to Matthew Harris of Sprucely Farm. This resulted in a positive conversation with Matthew as they discussed the farm, arable farming and how the farm has 2,000 pigs. Mathew said he was going to consider recruiting Liam as a farm hand and asked Michele to call him back the following day for his decision.

Part of the discussion with Matthew involved if Liam possessed a tractor licence, which he did not, although he did have a provisional licence.

Liam met with Matthew subsequently started working at Sprucely Farm in July 2025. DurhamWorks have stayed connected with Matthew and Liam as well supporting Liam by arranging driving lessons using the Flex-Fund, as one of Matthew’s conditions of employment of Liam was him to pass his driving test.

Speaking about his experience with DurhamWorks Liam said, “I received so much support and guidance from Michele at DurhamWorks, all of which helped me find employment. I always wanted to work on a farm and DurhamWorks gave me the chance to achieve this ambition with Matthew at Sprucely Farm, and I am really enjoying this opportunity.”

Mathew added “Liam has been a fantastic addition to the team at Sprucely Farm. I would recommend any business in County Durham looking for a new member of staff to contact them. They prepared Liam so well for work and continue to support him now that he has started working here.”

If you are aged between 11 and 24 years old we would like to hear from you about the activities and support in and around your local area.

This short survey will ask you about your thoughts on this. This is part of research being done by the National Youth Agency exploring support for young people.

We won’t be able to tell who you are from the questions, so please answer honestly. You do not have to answer anything you don’t want to, just skip questions.

Your survey response will be stored securely by the National Youth Agency, which works to support young people and youth workers. It will not be shared with anyone else.

To take part in the survey please click on the following link: Young people’s survey.

Are you 16 to 24 years old, looking for work, and want to meet local employers offering full-time and part time roles, apprenticeship and training programmes?

DurhamWorks are hosting a Employment and Training Careers Event, hosted by DurhamWorks at The Big Club, Newton Aycliffe.

Date: Thursday 6th November 2025

Time: Drop in anytime from 11:00am to 2:00pm

Location: The Big Club, Sheraton Rd, Newton Aycliffe DL5 5NU

To find out more contact:

Michele Atkinson or Rachel Richardson

Mobile: 07785 243 476 / 07500 785 587

Email: michele.atkinson@durham.gov.uk / rachel.richardson@durham.gov.uk

We are running one-off sessions to boost your confidence and help you find work, training or education that’s right for YOU

These are taking place at the McIntire Centre, Bishop Auckland on Wednesdays 2.00 to 3.00pm

Skills for Jobseeking – 30th July
Interviews and In-Person Skills – 6th August
CVs and Applications – 13th August
College and Apprenticeships – 20th August

Speak to your adviser for more info

National Apprenticeship Week is week-long celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

We will be promoting and celebrating National Apprenticeship Week on our social media channels all next week, so make sure you check them regularly.