West Lindsey District Council is proud to be marking National Apprenticeship Week (10-16 February) a national campaign highlighting the value of the apprenticeships for individuals, businesses and the local economy.
This year’s theme, “Skills for Tomorrow, Opportunities For All”, underpins West Lindsey District Council’s commitment to fostering talent and bridging skills gaps across the district.
The council currently has a number of staff on apprenticeships across services, including finance, IT, and housing.
Jake Barker is among the apprentices at West Lindsey District Council, having started at the Guildhall in November last year as part of the ICT Support team.
He said:
“I had been looking around online at a number of jobs and this apprenticeship at the council popped up and looked really interesting,” said Jake, who comes straight from school having completed his A-Levels last summer.
Jake’s role is instrumental in helping keep the council’s IT systems running and providing computer and system-related support across the council’s services.
“I wasn’t actively looking for an apprenticeship and didn’t know a great deal about them to be honest, but it’s worked out really well and I’m enjoying what I’m doing.”
Jake says he enjoys learning and developing his skills through practical application and hopes to carve a career in ICT.
Business Administrator Apprentice, Ella Gardner, joined the council a few weeks
ago, after initially starting out in teaching.
“I worked as a Teaching Assistant for a while but decided that wasn’t for me and started looking for something that gave me hands on experience.”
Ella now combines her time working four days a week and studying as part of the apprenticeship every Wednesday.
“The apprenticeship allows me to come into work and gain lots of experience and take home a wage, while attending college each week means I’m learning more about business administration, which I can then use in my day-to-day role.”
Finance Apprentice, Maddie Slack, has been at the council for over two years, having started in the Customer Services team.
She said:
“I did some admin support for the emergency flooding work that was happening at the time and a member of the management team asked if I would be interested in applying for the finance apprenticeship role at the council.
“It wasn't something I had considered before, so I had a chat with a few members of the finance team, and it sounded like something which would really suit me.
“So far it has been great as it has allowed me to continue working at the council, whilst also gaining a qualification in something that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to do as easily while working.”
Cllr Lesley Rollings, Chair of the Prosperous Communities Committee at West Lindsey District Council, said:
“Apprenticeships support our workforce strategy. Our apprentices bring fresh perspectives, energy, and dedication to the council and help us innovate across a range of areas.
“As well as earning while they learn, our apprentices are carving a path to meaningful careers that will really make a difference.”
Why Apprenticeships Matter
- Earn While You Learn: West Lindsey District Council apprentices earn competitive salaries while gaining nationally recognised qualifications.
- Career progression: Apprenticeships can lead to permanent roles in your chosen field.
- Social mobility: Apprenticeship programmes can target underrepresented groups, including young people and people changing career, with tailored support.
- Address Skills Shortages: Local employees can take on apprenticeships to help attract people with a specific skills set.
- Cost-effective: Small businesses benefit from government-funded training - 95% of costs are covered.
Find out more about apprenticeships here National Apprenticeship Week