National Apprenticeship Week report and case studies

As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2025, which runs throughout this week, the apprentice team and apprentices from the University of Greater Manchester Group, along with partner Bolton Council, explain the benefits of an apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a great way to earn while you learn, combining hands-on experience with industry-recognised qualifications.
 
Offered across a wide range of sectors, apprenticeships at the University of Greater Manchester Group provide a practical route into careers from Level 2 to degree level.
 
Whether you're a school leaver, career changer, or looking to upskill, apprenticeships offer a valuable opportunity to develop skills, gain real-world experience, and progress in your chosen field debt free – all while earning a salary.

Apprenticeships are available in various fields:

• Engineering
• Healthcare
• Business

There are many more areas to choose from, providing a valuable alternative to traditional full-time education.
 
The University of Greater Manchester Group works in partnership with Bolton Council to offer apprenticeships in key sectors, such as Level 2 and 3 apprenticeships in electrical installation and business administration to degree level apprenticeships in digital, civil engineering, chartered manager and youth work.

 
Lynda Farrell, Head of Apprenticeships at the University of Greater Manchester, said: “Our partnership with Bolton Council is a fantastic example of how collaboration can create meaningful opportunities for individuals to develop their skills and careers.
 
“By working together, we’re able to offer high-quality apprenticeships, tailored to meet the needs of both learners and the local workforce. This initiative not only helps to bridge skills gaps but also strengthens the region’s economy by supporting businesses with skilled, work-ready employees."

Bolton Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Akhtar Zaman, said: “Apprenticeship schemes are an important and highly valued aspect of our workforce which bring new talent to drive the future success of the organisation”.
 
‘We are proud to choose our partner organisations to provide these apprenticeships in Bolton. 
 
“As well as supporting our local economy and being easily accessible for our apprentices, Bolton College and the University of Greater Manchester provide good quality learning and a unique understanding of the skills needs of Bolton Council.’
 
The University focuses on small class sizes, personal support, and strong employer partnerships.
 
Apprenticeships are available from Level 2 to Level 6, providing accessible routes for career progression across multiple disciplines.

For more information, please visit our websites:

Apprenticeships | University of Bolton

Apprenticeships » Bolton College

If you already have an employer willing to support you on an apprenticeship, please get in touch by emailing apprentices@bolton.ac.uk

As part of the University of Greater Manchester Group, Bolton College also works closely with the council on apprenticeships.

Jennifer Walker, Head of Apprenticeships at the College, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Bolton Council to provide valuable apprenticeship opportunities.
 
“By working together, we offer high quality training and practical experience to our apprentices, leading them to successful careers such as business administration and in the near future, youth support. These apprenticeships not only benefit the individuals involved but also strengthen our community by developing a skilled workforce dedicated to serving our residents.”
 
Independent training provider Alliance Learning also offers apprenticeships (Apprenticeships | Alliance Learning).
 
Alliance Learning CEO Dave Haslam said: “Choosing an apprenticeship at Alliance Learning is a great way to kickstart your career in engineering and business management with high-quality training and excellent support.
 
“With more than 50 years of experience in delivering apprenticeships, we have built a strong reputation for helping learners succeed.
 
“Every year, we support approximately 350 apprentices, working closely with them to find suitable employers in their chosen fields, collaborating with some of the largest employers in the North West.
 
“As part of the University of Greater Manchester Group, you also have the potential to continue your studies to degree level.”

Case study 1:

As part of Apprenticeship Week 2025, Joanne King, 46, a married mum of three, explains why she enjoys her apprenticeship with Bolton Council, in partnership with the University of Greater Manchester

Background

Joanne left school at 16 and went into clerical work, before retaking her GCSE English in her early 20s. She went to college and then Edge Hill University at 24 and qualified as a primary school teacher, a job she did for 10 years.
 
After she left teaching, Joanne started work at Bolton Council Play and Youth service in 2015 as a casual worker, then in 2017 as a senior worker. In May 2022, she was successful in applying for the Team Leader post and became a manager of the service.

University of Greater Manchester

Joanne joined the Youth Worker (Degree) Apprenticeship course in September 2023, after being asked by her manager if she would like to do it.
 
Joanne attends university every Monday, learning specific modules linked to youth work and community development that will further develop her knowledge, skills and behaviours to enhance her role. She will also complete a project over the summer period, specifically linked to her practice.
 
Joanne is due to complete her Apprenticeship in August/September 2026 and the qualification will enable her to manage the youth team and, if she wants to, seek employment within the wider youth work/community development workforce, which could result in a higher paid post in the future.

Praise for the Apprenticeship scheme

Joanne said: “I really enjoy the course and look forward to attending university on Mondays as I am an avid learner and have made some forever friendships.
 
“Without work supporting me on this course, by allocating time and paying the fees, I would not have been able to do it and progress career wise.
 
“The university is extremely supportive and my friends on the course are a great source of strength.  I am on a course with people who are in similar posts and this enables me to share stories, experiences and knowledge.
 
“I plan to use my knowledge and skills to help with continuing improvements to our service and support our team to deliver the very best to the young people of Bolton.”

Case study 2:

Ilyas Ali, aged 39, explains why he feels so passionately about his apprenticeship with Bolton Council, in partnership with the University of Greater Manchester

Background

Ilyas has lived in Bolton all his life and after attending Bolton School, he graduated with a degree in business management from the University of Lancaster, before working in variety of different jobs, in factories, offices, security, catering and retail.
 
He applied for an apprenticeship in 2017 with Bolton Council, gaining an initial qualification with Wigan and Leigh College.

University of Greater Manchester

Ilyas enrolled at the University of Greater Manchester more than four years ago, on a Civil Engineering programme, working at the council four days a week and studying at the University’s main campus in Bolton for one day a week.

He has worked on numerous projects, including managing traffic calming measures on an estate in Little Lever, Bolton and is now overseeing the implementation of a first wave of residential disabled parking bays in the borough.

He said: “I really like working for Bolton Council, it is a great environment and when I am given the opportunity to manage a project, I am encouraged to take complete ownership of it, which is fantastic experience.

“I have also been pleased with the support I have received from the apprenticeship team at the University.”

Praise for the Apprenticeship scheme

Ilyas said he would “recommend the apprenticeship route to anyone”. He added: “You’re getting paid to learn – what’s not to like!

“It is the perfect way to get into your chosen career. Being in the working environment puts your learning into context and forces you into good working habits and disciplines.

“As I gain qualifications, at the council I move up a grade pay wise and my salary increases.”