Rochdale Council named one of the top 100 apprenticeship employers in the country

In a live national broadcast hosted by the National Apprenticeship Service, Rochdale Borough Council has been named in the first ever top 100 employers with an outstanding apprenticeship programme.

More than 400 organisations from across the country - including large national employers like HMRC, The British Army, Sainsbury’s, and M&S – made the new list.

The ranking showcases the very best of England’s large apprenticeship employers, with them being recognised for providing some of the most successful apprenticeship programmes over the previous 12 months.

It will help potential apprentices, parents, and careers advisers to identify the best apprenticeship opportunities with the highest performing apprentice employers.

The council was asked to take part in the live announcement event to share the work of its programme and the impact it has had on workforce planning and changing the perception of apprenticeships across the borough. The panel said they were particularly interested in the overall programme the council offers from induction week, to line manager and ongoing on programme support.

Councillor Kieran Heakin, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “This is a wonderful achievement and is the recognition our team deserves for the work they are putting into apprentices and the stability of our future workforce. To be named alongside some massive, private companies just shows how much we are achieving. Our programme is now widely recognised as an opportunity to build a valuable and respected journey on a career path for those interested in apprenticeships.”

 

 

The award recognises commitment of employers offering high-quality apprenticeships for people of all ages and backgrounds, as well as the commitment of the council towards the ongoing recruitment of apprentices alongside the high numbers who progress into permanent roles at the end of their training, which is currently more than 90 per cent.

In the last two months, 15 new apprentices have joined Rochdale Borough Council in a variety of roles. The council now has 121 apprentices currently working in its various departments or in schools. Many past apprentices have also secured permanent positions within the council.

Councillor Heakin continued: “We are really proud of our successful apprenticeship scheme and it’s always great to see more and more take up roles with us. An apprenticeship is a really great entry into a variety of careers and gives young people a real chance to earn and learn.

“Ultimately our scheme is successful to our apprentices and that is always our focus.”

Andy Turner, Rochdale Borough Council apprenticeship lead, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be named as one of the top employers of apprentices in the country. The award is testament to not only the amazing work of the team but to all the departments and schools who have really bought into the whole apprenticeship ethos. We also have excellent partnership with local training providers who play a very large part in ensuring the programme runs smoothly and to a very high quality. We have worked tirelessly with colleagues and partners to build a high-quality programme that has raised the profile of apprenticeships.”

This achievement is the latest in a long line of awards for the council apprenticeship programme, including being named at the ‘Macro-employer of the year’ in the 2018 North West Apprenticeship Awards.

Recruitment to the council’s apprenticeships programme for the January 2021 cohort is now open, with 16 vacancies in a variety of roles including teaching assistant, admin, landscaping, legal services, customer service and payroll.