Don’t leave it too late to apply for apprenticeships

Applications are already coming in for a wide range of Council apprenticeships.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has over 20 roles available for new apprentices to start work with the authority this September.

From roles in marketing and human resources to grounds maintenance and childcare, this year’s apprenticeships are diverse with something to appeal to different types of job seekers.

Apprenticeships offer on-the-job training whilst gaining a recognised qualification – ranging from Level 2 right up to degree level.

Council apprentices work alongside supportive and experienced employees, developing their professional skills, building valuable experience, and earning while they learn.

Council apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. There’s no upper age limit and they are not just suitable for young people, but for anyone looking for a route into a certain career – and ideal for someone keen to make a career change.

Where possible, the Council retains staff at the end of their apprenticeships, with many progressing into more senior roles or going on to further study while working.

26 year old Conor Knowles joined the Council in 2017 as an apprentice Regulatory Compliance Officer. Three years later, he moved on to a graduate apprenticeship within the Environmental Health Team. Conor said:

My apprenticeship allows me to work and learn simultaneously. It presents tasks and challenges you could never find in a classroom, building up the skills and experience necessary for my chosen career, with the help and support of my colleagues.

Once I have completed my degree, I aim to qualify as an Environmental Health Practitioner.

Denise Park, the Council’s Chief Executive, said:

The work the Council does is always changing so no two days are ever the same. With more than 200 different kinds of roles across the authority, we’re the most diverse employer in the borough.

I’m really proud of the opportunities our apprenticeships offer to local people.  Our apprenticeship programme enables us to nurture staff and get the best from people whilst supporting them to develop their personal and professional skills.

I would encourage anyone who is interested in a Council apprenticeship to apply as soon as possible. Some trades apprentice roles proved to be so popular we had to close them early, due to the volumes of applications already received.

So my message is: don’t leave it too late to apply for our apprenticeships – the closing date is Tuesday 31 May.

Find out about the wide range of Council apprenticeships on offer at www.blackburn.gov.uk/jobs/apprenticeships.

Applications close on 31 May, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted during June.