Last week, we were proud to host our second Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony to celebrate the incredible achievements of 80 employees who have successfully completed an apprenticeship with us since September 2023.
The event was also a fabulous way to celebrate the end of National Apprenticeship Week, showcasing the values, benefits, and opportunities that apprenticeships bring. Our latest apprentice graduates were invited to the town hall to attend a special ceremony in the council chambers, where they were recognised for their hard work and dedication and presented with their certificates. Graduates were personally thanked by Sarah Norman, Chief Executive of Barnsley Council, the Mayor of Barnsley, Cllr John Clarke JP and Cllr Caroline Makinson, Deputy Leader of Barnsley Council.
Apprenticeships were undertaken across various areas and functions, ranging from finance and accountancy, administration and urban drivers to project management, marketing and social work, with levels ranging from 2 to 7. The apprentices were supported by several training providers throughout their journey, and we were delighted to welcome training providers IODA, Barnsley College and Learning Curve to the graduation event where they celebrated the success of their respective students.
Cllr Caroline Makinson, Deputy Leader of Barnsley Council, said: “I was over the moon to be a part of our 2025 Apprenticeship Graduation Celebration and to personally congratulate our colleagues for their hard work, commitment, and dedication. They’ve demonstrated great determination and resilience to undertake an apprenticeship, alongside their day-to-day job and other life commitments.
“Events like this are so important to give our graduates the recognition they deserve. It’s also a great way to showcase to other colleagues that anything is possible and it’s never too late to progress and gain new skills. Including this latest cohort, we have now supported over 600 employees to complete an apprenticeship since 2017 with many more to come. A final well done to everyone who graduated today.”
Sarah Norman, Chief Executive of Barnsley Council, who opened the ceremony added: “We’re fully committed to our learning and development offer at the council and support all our employees in their professional and personal development. Apprenticeships provide the perfect opportunity to do this as they can help our employees to learn, progress and gain a qualification - whether they are just starting their career or looking to progress on their career journey.
“Whatever the reason, our employees are all striving to be the best they can be which in turn contributes towards our ongoing drive to achieve our ambitions for the borough as we work together to make Barnsley the place of possibilities.
“I hope this celebration shows our graduates just how much we value and recognise them for all their hard work and dedication.”
Don’t forget, apprenticeships are not just for school leavers. They are an excellent way for anyone over the age of 16 to learn new knowledge, skills and behaviours in a specific job whilst earning a wage and working alongside experienced colleagues.
Find out more about apprenticeship opportunities at the council on our Jobs website page.
