As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2025, City of Lincoln Council is celebrating a remarkable milestone; 30 years of delivering high-quality apprenticeships that have transformed careers.
As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2025, City of Lincoln Council is celebrating a remarkable milestone; 30 years of delivering high-quality apprenticeships that have transformed careers and supported local businesses across the city.
Since the programme began in 1995, City of Lincoln Council has delivered hundreds of apprenticeship opportunities, empowering individuals to “earn while they learn” across various sectors.
This milestone recognises the significant contributions apprenticeships have made to the local workforce, both within and outside the council, providing a viable and rewarding career path for many.
The apprenticeship programme was most recently awarded the Greater Lincolnshire Apprenticeship Employer Champion Award in May 2024, which recognises City of Lincoln Council as being committed to developing its apprentices. This accolade is a testament to the quality and impact of the training and development opportunities offered.
Among the many success stories are the apprentices who have progressed through the council’s scheme to build long-term careers within the organisation. Some of those who started as apprentices with the council still work there today, having developed their skills and gained invaluable experience along the way.
One key feature of City of Lincoln Council’s apprenticeship programme is its commitment to offering tailored opportunities for both employees and employers.
For individuals looking to advance their careers but who may not have the necessary qualifications to progress, apprenticeships offer an ideal solution. Those already employed can access apprenticeship schemes that allow them to gain new skills, earn a qualification, and open doors to promotion.
The process is currently being streamlined for businesses looking to offer apprenticeships; however, employers wanting to upskill their workforce or recruit an apprentice can get in touch directly through the council by emailing the Work Based Learning (WBL) team at WBL@lincoln.gov.uk.
As part of its ongoing commitment to promoting apprenticeships, the WBL team also regularly engages with local schools to introduce young people to apprenticeships as a viable alternative to traditional routes like sixth form or university.
This outreach typically targets Year 10 and 11 students, with occasional sessions for younger pupils in Years 7 and 8. By raising awareness of the opportunities available, the council aims to show that apprenticeships can lead to careers in a variety of fields, including law, social work, and beyond.
City of Lincoln Council offers apprenticeships in Customer Service, Business Administrator, Team Leading and Leadership & Management from Level 2 up to Level 5, enabling individuals to gain advanced qualifications while learning on the job. The opportunity to gain practical experience alongside formal training ensures that apprentices are well-equipped to enter the workforce with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive.
To celebrate the success of its apprentices, City of Lincoln Council will host an awards afternoon on 13 February from 2pm. This event will recognise the achievements of all those who have completed an apprenticeship since January 2023, with each receiving a certificate of recognition.
Nominated apprentices will also be honoured, with the winner receiving a special award certificate and a prize, while the runners-up will receive highly commended certificates and prizes. It promises to be an inspiring afternoon of celebration and recognition. First College Lincs, a partner of the council since 2011, has generously sponsored the prizes for the ceremony.
Naomi Tweddle, Leader at City of Lincoln Council, said:
“For 30 years, our apprenticeship programme has been a vital part of developing talent, supporting local businesses, and strengthening our workforce.
“We are incredibly proud of the opportunities we have provided, helping individuals build successful careers while contributing to the city’s economic growth.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to creating even more pathways to success for future generations.”
Sharon Hylton, Work-Based Learning Team Leader at City of Lincoln Council, commented:
“Apprenticeships are powerful tools for personal and professional growth. Over the past 30 years, we’ve seen firsthand the difference they make in the lives of individuals and businesses alike.
“Whether you’re looking to start a career or take the next step in your current role, apprenticeships offer a fantastic opportunity to develop new skills and earn while you learn.”
To find out more about the City of Lincoln Council's apprenticeship programme, visit City of Lincoln Council Careers’ Facebook page.