Council apprenticeship scheme praised at House of Commons ceremony

Andy Turner and Toni Carter, who manage the council’s apprenticeship programme

Rochdale Borough Council was praised as a ‘driving force for delivering high quality apprenticeships’ at a special House of Commons ceremony to celebrate successful schemes.

Andy Turner and Toni Carter, who manage the council’s apprenticeship programme, were personally invited to the event by Anne Milton MP, the minister for Skills and Apprenticeships.

Mr Turner, the council’s participation and skills officer, said: “We were delighted to have been invited to parliament by the government minister. It was a brilliant day and the council is really setting the agenda on how to run a successful apprenticeships programme. We are fast becoming the ‘go to’ source for good practice which is something to be really proud of.”

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.

In a further boost, Rochdale is one of only a handful of public sector organisations to meet the national target of at least 2.3% of staff being apprentices.

Councillor Allen Brett, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “This is fantastic recognition for our apprenticeship scheme which is rightly recognised as one of the best in local government.

"We have hired some of the brightest and best young people in the borough and I am proud we are one of the few public sector organisations in the country to meet the recruitment target.

"Well done to everyone involved in this Rochdale success story.”