Leeds City Council has earned a place in a prestigious index of the country’s best employers for providing apprenticeship opportunities.
The Department for Education’s (DfE) top 100 apprenticeship employers list showcases the most outstanding apprenticeship employers from across the UK. Leeds City Council enters the rankings for the first time since before the pandemic and secures the best spot for a local council, coming in at number 90. Only one other council has reached the top 100, ranking 97th.
Over 632 council employees are currently on apprenticeships from level 2 (equivalent to GCSE) to level 7 (masters level). In the 12 months to 31 March 2024, 316 employees started apprenticeships on pathways ranging from social care, child care, housing, digital and project management to building trades, civil engineering and more.
Leeds City Council is proud to be a living wage employer. All employees, including apprentices of any age, are paid a salary that matches or exceeds the Living Wage Foundation minimum rate.
In addition, the council supports other organisations in sectors where there are skills shortages to create and deliver apprenticeships for their employees through its transfer of levy funds and via Leeds Apprenticeship Hub.
The DfE's top 100 apprenticeship employers list was compiled by analysing data from apprenticeship employers across different industries and employment sectors. Over 1,000 employers entered by submitting data from the 12 months to 31 March 2024 on their apprenticeship starts, successful apprenticeship completions and the diversity of their apprentice cohort.
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 joined the council as an apprentice after completing his A-levels and is now a senior civil engineer in highways and transportation. He studied for a BSc in civil engineering at Leeds Beckett University whilst working with the civil engineering team at the council and secured a permanent role as a senior engineer on graduating.
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.”
