APPRENTICESHIPS are helping staff at Darlington Building Society to become better leaders.

Twelve staff at the 160-year-old society are training on leadership and management programmes designed to give them the skills to further their careers.

Working with the Northern Skills Group the Society is using the apprenticeship framework to support its existing workforce, of all ages.

Two groups are already studying towards Diplomas in Leadership and Management at Levels 3 and 4.

Andy Kane, Society learning and development manager, said they had never had a 'formal' leadership and management development pathway.

He said: "Working with an award-winning team in our local area is massively important to us and I’d really encourage other businesses to consider the value of apprenticeships."

The training is fully funded and tailored to the society's needs.

Peter Wilson, Northern Skills Group director, said: "It’s great to see workers of all ages picking up new skills through the programme and strengthening the organisation. I’d encourage other businesses to investigate how they could do the same."