Apprenticeship team make North West finals

Andy Turner and Toni Carter, who manage the council’s apprenticeship programme at the House of Commons

The team that manages the apprenticeship programme for Rochdale Council have been shortlisted for the North West Regional Finals of the National Apprenticeship Awards.

Over 130 apprentices have started their roles at the council and local schools in the last year, one of the highest amounts in local government.

Councillor John Blundell, cabinet member for skills and employment, said: “It’s great to see the team getting recognition at a regional level and we hope through to the national finals. They do a wonderful job with our apprenticeship programme and the figures speak for themselves; the team should be very proud of all that they are achieving.”

The team are now awaiting final judging to see whether they are a finalist for the North West and success there would see them nominated for the National Awards.

Andy Turner, who manages the council’s apprenticeship programme, said: “We are extremely pleased to have made it through the first stage and it would be great recognition for everyone involved in the apprenticeship programme in the council and our schools, if we became a finalist in the North West Awards.”

The National Apprenticeship Awards showcase the diverse range of sectors engaged with apprenticeships and celebrate outstanding apprentices, employers and those individuals who go above and beyond to champion apprenticeships.