Westmorland and Furness Council has celebrated its largest ever intake of apprentices, as more than 30 new starters came together for a series of welcome events this week.
The apprentices will be working across a wide range of services, including highways, children’s services, business administration, project management, finance and digital. Based at locations across the council area, they will gain hands-on experience while studying towards professional qualifications. The intake includes apprentices of varying ages, from school leavers to those returning to learning later in their careers.
The induction sessions, held at Kendal and Barrow town halls, brought the new apprentices together to meet colleagues, learn more about the council’s values and explore the opportunities and support available to them as they begin this next stage of their career journey.
One of the new starters, Finnly Celikel, who has joined as a Level 3 Civil Engineering apprentice, said: “I’m really excited to start my apprenticeship in Civil Engineering. It’s an amazing opportunity to learn and develop while contributing to the local community. I’m looking forward to building my skills and seeing where my apprenticeship can take me.”
Another new recruit, Max Filby, a Level 4 Associate Project Management apprentice making a career change, added: “I’m looking forward to applying the skills I developed while self-employed to my apprenticeship and building new ones that will help me succeed in a different career path.”
This marks the start of the council’s apprenticeship induction programme, with a further group of apprentices set to join shortly. The council looks forward to welcoming them and supporting them on their exciting career journeys.
Cllr Janet Battye, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education and Skills, said: “We are proud to be welcoming our biggest ever group of apprentices this year. Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for people of all ages to earn while they learn, gaining real-world experience and qualifications that open up long-term career opportunities. By investing in apprenticeships, we are also investing in the future workforce of Westmorland and Furness, ensuring our communities benefit from skilled, passionate and dedicated people.”
Margaret Watson, Apprenticeship and Early Careers Service Manager, said: “We are delighted to see so many new apprentices joining us. Each of them will be supported by mentors, colleagues and training providers to ensure they thrive in their role. Many of our former apprentices have gone on to secure permanent positions with the council, so this really is the start of an exciting journey.”
The council is expected to begin recruiting for its next intake of apprentices early in 2026.
Prospective applicants can follow the council’s Apprenticeship Team on Instagram at @wandf.apprenticeships for behind-the-scenes insights, top tips and inspiring success stories from current and former apprentices.
For more information about apprenticeship opportunities with Westmorland and Furness Council, visit careers.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/apprenticeships.
See highlights from the apprentices’ induction on the council’s YouTube channel.