Celebrating our apprentices during National Apprenticeship Week

Blackburn with Darwen Council is marking National Apprenticeship Week by reaffirming its commitment to delivering employment opportunities for people in the borough.

Currently employing 47 apprentices, the Council is preparing to launch its latest cohort of apprenticeship vacancies due to start in September 2022.

Previous apprenticeships have ranged from data systems analysts to electricians, gardeners, and digital communicators.

Denise Park, Chief Executive at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:

Apprenticeships are a fantastic way of achieving a recognised qualification and structured route to skilled employment alongside valuable practical experience.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is the most diverse employer in the borough and offers apprenticeships across its 800 varied services including Social Care, Leisure and Customer Service, HR and professional trades.

Denise highlighted that there is often a misconception that only young people can apply for apprenticeships, and that many aren’t aware of the variety of qualifications on offer.

Level 2 apprenticeships are equivalent to 5 GCSE passes and Level 6 to 7 equate to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has engaged over 100 apprentices during the last five years and the momentum continues to build year on year. Apprentices range from school leavers to graduates, and residents looking to pursue a new career path later in life.

Apprentice Electrician Aimee Manifold, aged 17, is five months into her apprenticeship. She said:

I like to learn in a more practical way rather than sitting in a classroom. I’ve already learnt lots from colleagues who have a lot of experience to share.

30 year old Tim Cookson joined the Council in 2019 as a Payroll Apprentice, and now works as a MI & Systems Advisor in the HR department. He said:

I wanted to get out of working in hospitality to build a career in finance. I’d applied for a few jobs but didn’t have the experience they were looking for, so an apprenticeship seemed the best way to go.

During my apprenticeship a permanent role came up and then two years later, I got a promotion. I’ve recently bought my first house and things are working out really well.

Denise Park added:

Blackburn with Darwen Council is keen to continue investing within the apprenticeship programme with the aim that individuals will secure long-term employment with us at the end of their apprenticeship and help to make a real difference to communities living within Blackburn with Darwen.

To keep up to date with the latest apprenticeship vacancies, visit jobs.blackburn.gov.uk

 Updates are also shared on the Council’s Facebook page and Apprenticeship Hub.