Leeds City Council has secured a place on the prestigious Department for Education’s (DfE) top 100 apprenticeship employers list, marking it as one of the nation’s best providers of apprenticeship opportunities.
For the first time since before the pandemic, Leeds City Council has entered the rankings, achieving the highest position for a local council at number 90, with only one other council making the list at number 97. Currently, Leeds City Council has over 632 employees engaged in apprenticeships, covering levels from 2 (equivalent to GCSEs) to 7 (equivalent to a master’s degree). In the year ending 31 March 2024, 316 employees embarked on apprenticeships in diverse fields such as social care, childcare, housing, digital and project management, building trades, and civil engineering, among others.
Leeds City Council proudly maintains its status as a living wage employer, ensuring all employees, including apprentices of any age, receive a salary that meets or exceeds the minimum rate set by the Living Wage Foundation. Furthermore, the council aids other organizations in sectors facing skills shortages by helping create and deliver apprenticeships through the transfer of levy funds and support from the Leeds Apprenticeship Hub.
The Department for Education’s (DfE) top 100 apprenticeship employers list, which Leeds City Council has been featured on, was developed by analyzing data from a diverse range of industries and employment sectors. Over 1,000 employers participated, providing data for the period ending 31 March 2024 on new apprenticeship starts, successful completions, and the diversity of their apprentices.
Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for resources said:
“We are delighted to be recognised by the DfE as one of the top 100 apprenticeship employers in the UK. This is a testament to our commitment to providing high-quality apprenticeship opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds in Leeds.
“Apprenticeships are a vital way of developing the skills and talents of our workforce, as well as supporting the local economy and combatting the skills shortages in some sectors. We are proud of our apprentices and the valuable contribution they make to our council and our city.”
Jak Lomas began his career with the council as an apprentice following his A-levels and has since ascended to the role of senior civil engineer in highways and transportation. While working with the council’s civil engineering team, he pursued a BSc in civil engineering at Leeds Beckett University. Upon graduation, he successfully secured a permanent position as a senior engineer. Jak Lomas said:
“I knew university wasn’t for me, so the apprenticeship route was the ideal way to pursue my chosen career. Completing my degree with the added bonus of five years’ work experience (and no student debt) gave me a great head start.
“Working with researchers and apprentices from various sectors at university helped me understand the bigger picture and stay up to date with innovations. I feel the apprenticeship route made me a better engineer because of this breadth of experience.”
Hannah Wood, principal civil engineer in highways and transportation and an apprentice coordinator for the council said:
“Our team exemplifies how apprenticeships build careers, with many colleagues right up to senior management team having taken this route. Our apprentices grow so much professionally and personally – we give lots of support as well as responsibility, valuing them as individuals and giving them the opportunity to develop.
“They also contribute hugely to the team, bringing fresh ideas, technical skills and enthusiasm to try new things. This accolade for the council is well deserved, demonstrating how you’re supported to build a fulfilling career here.”
The mission of the Department for Education is to ensure that England has a world-class education system that equips people of all ages with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to fulfill their potential. The DfE’s vision extends to ensuring educational excellence everywhere, aiming to provide greater equity in educational access and outcomes.
The DfE’s responsibilities are broad and impactful:
- Schools – Developing policy and funding for schools to ensure children and young adults receive high-quality education. This includes the oversight of the curriculum, educational standards, and teacher training.
- Early Years – Ensuring that childcare and early education settings offer safe and stimulating environments for young children, which are critical for early development.
- Higher Education and Further Education – Shaping policies for universities and colleges to foster advanced learning, skills development, and research.
- Apprenticeships and Skills – Promoting vocational training and apprenticeships as viable and valuable paths for career development.
- Children’s Services – Overseeing policies that protect children and young people, particularly those who are vulnerable or in care.
The DfE initiates and manages a range of programs designed to improve educational outcomes. One of its notable efforts is the promotion of apprenticeships, helping young people and adults gain practical skills in various industries through on-the-job training. The DfE’s support for the apprenticeship program underscores its commitment to alternative pathways in education, catering to diverse needs and career aspirations.
As education continues to evolve, the DfE is actively involved in research and dialogue with educational leaders, teachers, and stakeholders to adapt and reform educational policies. This ensures that the education system in England not only meets current needs but also anticipates future trends and challenges.
The Department for Education remains a cornerstone of the UK’s commitment to fostering educational excellence and building a society equipped with knowledge, skills, and the resilience needed to thrive in a competitive world.
