North Northamptonshire apprenticeships – earn while you learn scheme boosts career progression

06 February 2023

An apprenticeship scheme at North Northamptonshire Council is going from strength to strength with 80 active learners now employed by the authority.

This week the UK is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week, offering a chance for businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses, and the wider economy. 

The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2023 is ‘Skills for Life’ and, as such, this week the council will be encouraging and supporting potential and existing employees to build their careers.

Roles occupied by apprentices range from social workers, teachers and site engineers to departmental managers, finance and HR professionals and senior leaders.   

Our apprenticeship scheme has been a great success and I’m delighted it’s going from strength to strength. While the need to carry on earning could present a barrier to future training, an apprenticeship scheme can allow people to develop their careers while earning a living.Cllr Scott Edwards, the Council’s Executive Member for Children, Families, Education and Skills

We’re committed to being an employer of choice and a position as an apprentice offers great flexibility and can build confidence in employees. It’s also a way of bringing in great new ideas and bringing new, creative energy to roles.Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council

With no upper age limit to becoming an apprentice, an increasing number of people aged over 16 are favouring apprenticeships as a way of studying towards a formal qualification while working. 
  
The council offers a range of apprenticeship support for individuals, managers, and businesses. To learn more or speak to one of the council's specialist advisors please complete our Apprenticeship Enquiry Form.

Case Study

Sean O'Sullivan - Data Analyst, Level: 4 

I completed the Data Analyst, Level: 4 (Standard) apprenticeship programme and hoped to learn new skills and knowledge.

My previous education level was GCSE. I joined the apprenticeship programme as part of a new job role to change that.

The ability to earn whilst I learn and the fact that I could gain a professional qualification whilst working in my new role really appealed to me.

A challenge for me was going back to formal education after twenty plus years. However, this was not as big an issue as I first thought, as the apprenticeship study programme was well planned and structured.

Being able to juggle work, study and homelife was also a concern but the support provided by my manager and the training provider helped immensely to create a good balance between all three.

I now have a professionally recognised qualification in an innovative and rapidly growing industry. The apprenticeship has raised my education, knowledge and skills to a whole new level.

It has given me the confidence to use what I have learnt in my work and to promote new and innovative ways of working for me, as well as amongst my colleagues and team.