Hillingdon Council is championing the achievements of its apprentices as part of National Apprenticeship Week, taking place this week (10 to 16 February). The annual event highlights the importance of vocational training, with this year’s theme, ‘Skills for Life’, encouraging employers to invest in apprenticeships and build a future-ready workforce.
For the past eight years, the council’s apprenticeship programme has played a key role in equipping learners with essential skills and career opportunities and helping them progress into further education and employment. This year, 122 apprentices are gaining hands-on experience across 25 council services, including trading standards, social care, finance, planning, events, and digital and intelligence.
Hillingdon Council’s apprenticeships are paid positions that offer practical training alongside study for nationally recognised qualifications. The scheme covers a wide range of fields, from business administration and human resources to horticulture, social care, and building control.
The council collaborates with reputable training providers such as Harrow, Richmond upon Thames, and Uxbridge College (HRUC) to deliver high-quality apprenticeships. These partnerships ensure council staff receive specialist training in disciplines including construction and the built environment, early years education, legal services, social care, finance, and accounting.
One success story is 19-year-old Nancy Major from West Drayton, who joined the council in August 2022 as a Level 3 customer service apprentice. Thanks to the experience and skills gained through the programme, she has since secured a permanent role within the council. She said: “I wasn’t very academic at school, but after a family member recommended the council’s apprenticeship scheme – it was the start to my career and lifelong learning, and I’ve not looked back.
“It’s been a whirlwind, I’ve worked with great teams and learnt so much along the way; gained a distinction in my customer services specialist apprenticeship and recently got a permanent position in the council, which is amazing.
“Being an apprentice and earning while you learn is a great option for anyone who feels that university might not be the right next step for them.”
Cllr Jonathan Bianco, Hillingdon Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Property, said: “We are continuing to work with HRUC, local businesses and partners to create opportunities for local people to improve their skills and have access to good quality jobs.
“Apprenticeships with the council offer candidates the chance to work in the public sector, with support and access to education and skills development, which are key to improving their outcomes.”
