As this week (5-11 February) is National Apprenticeships Week, we want to showcase some of our fantastic apprentices, both past and present, celebrating what they have achieved and where they are heading in the future. National Apprenticeships Week aims to raise awareness of the many benefits that apprenticeships can offer you. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn about apprenticeships, explore your options and network. If you or someone you know is looking for an apprenticeship role, you can find all the information you will need to help you make a decision and find the right one for you at apprentices.gov.uk
Meet our trainees –
Josh
Josh is a trainee building control officer here at Fylde Council and this is what he had to say:
“Working with Fylde Council is a great opportunity to learn new skills and grow in your chosen profession, whilst having all the support you need from a team of peers. As an apprentice at Fylde Council, I am constantly seeing new things and gaining on-the-job experience, whilst attending university to further my career.”
Maisie
Maisie is a Business Support Trainee with Marketing currently working in our Communications and Economic Development team.
Maisie said: “Working with Fylde Council provides an excellent opportunity to gain experience and knowledge whilst gaining a qualification. “They encourage innovative thinking to find solutions and provide a strong support network for work and personal well-being.”
Derek
Derek is a civil engineer apprentice in our Technical Services Department, he said:
He had been working for Fylde Council as an LGV driver for ten years. He opened up an opportunity for an apprenticeship in civil engineering. I had considered engineering when I was younger and sometimes wish I had taken this path, but I was also aware of my age.
When you think about apprenticeships, you usually think of young people, especially school leavers.
Luckily, I decided to apply for the position and here I am, doing an undergraduate internship at UCLan and, better yet, making money while doing it. All training is paid for by you.
The people I work with are fantastic and very supportive, whether at work, studying or completing training outside of work, which is a requirement for learning.
Apprenticeships are fantastic opportunities. He has a full-time job and receives training at the same time with a day off to attend college. The qualification you train for, whether an HNC/HND or a degree, will depend on the qualifications you have gained at school/university.
tare
Tara completed her apprenticeship in Fylde and is now Deputy Principal at ITC thanks to her hard work and dedication. This is what she had to say:
“Fylde Council’s apprenticeship program has proven to be a transformative opportunity for people like me. I joined the council at the age of 16 in an administrative role and rose through the ranks to secure a place in the ICT department. The three-year apprenticeship in software engineering provided a remarkable platform for growth.
Fylde's unwavering support was evident as they facilitated one day a week for university and more time for my thesis. The result was a first-class honors degree, accompanied by a Certificate of Merit from the prestigious Gold Tech Industry Awards. This academic achievement subsequently propelled me to occupy the position of ICT Assistant Manager. “I couldn't have done it without Fylde Council and my tutors at Blackpool & Fylde College”
in kiera
Kieran is an apprentice mechanic.
He said: “I love my apprenticeship in Fylde! The people here make me feel like a second home: a friendly and supportive team that encourages my growth. Learning on the job is a very valuable experience and each day brings new challenges that help me acquire skills I never thought possible. Fylde is not just a workplace; It is a community that encourages personal and professional development. “It's very helpful to have the opportunity on my doorstep, where I grew up.”
Jake
Jake is a Financial Management Support Officer, this is what he had to say:
“Since joining Fylde Council two years ago, I have begun my apprenticeship in Finance. My plan is to complete it by 2026 with full AAT qualification. I would recommend anyone start an apprenticeship as this route has allowed me to greatly increase my knowledge and understanding of finance functions.
“I enjoy working at Fylde as the staff are some of the best people I have ever worked with and are very supportive of my personal development.”
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