Developing the workforce of the future with the employees of today

Faced with increasing pressure to do more with less, all kinds of organisations are looking at ways to work smarter and local government is no exception. As a result, workforce development has never been more important nor has choosing a training partner with a proven track record in delivering successful development programmes who understands the unique challenges of public sector organisations.  

With a broad and evolving range of apprenticeships directly aligned to the operational needs of local government and public sector bodies, Blackpool and The Fylde College (B&FC) is uniquely placed to support organisations who are looking to train the next generation of public sector professionals.

B&FC apprenticeship programmes span Levels 2 to 6, offering flexible entry points for new recruits as well as upskilling opportunities for existing staff. All programmes are developed in consultation with employers and mapped against industry standards, ensuring practical relevance and measurable impact. Covering operational areas from IT and planning to business administration and procurement, there are multiple options available for colleagues across a range of departments allowing local authorities both to bridge the immediate skills gaps in their business and todevelop succession planning strategies for the longer term.

Included in the mix are apprenticeships in:

• Finance including Accounts or Finance Assistant (Level 2) and Assistant Accountant (Level 3) – both aligned with AAT qualifications and ideal for council finance teams.
• Business including Business Administrator (Level 3) – equipping learners for essential roles in administration, policy coordination, and service support - Operations or Departmental Manager (Level 5) – CMI-accredited training designed to develop confident, effective leadership within public services and Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship – a work-based route to earning a BA (Hons) in Management through Lancaster University, alongside Chartered Manager status.
• Computing and digital apprenticeships including Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeships – with pathways including IT support, data analysis, cybersecurity, network engineering and software development.
   

Flexible Delivery for a Demanding Sector

Public sector employers need training that works around operational demands. B&FC’s delivery model reflects this. Apprentices receive at least 20% off-the-job training, with the rest embedded in their working week. Delivery is flexible - combining on-campus learning, remote sessions and on-site assessment - designed to minimise disruption while maintaining high standards of teaching and support.

Employers are fully supported throughout, with a dedicated client services manager helping to map training plans against strategic workforce objectives. From procurement officers and administrative leads to finance assistants and project managers, B&FC apprenticeships offer tangible progression routes and real return on investment.

T Level placements: A stepping stone to apprenticeships

For local authorities looking to nurture future talent, the new T Level qualification also offers organisations develop opportunities and a powerful route into apprenticeship programmes. As part of the qualification students spend at least 45 days on an extended work placement allowing them to make a meaningful contribution to their host employer. This also allows employers to assess a student’s suitability for a future apprenticeship programme and has proved to be a successful formula for recruitment. Recent examples at B&FC have seen students on T level computing and business courses joining local government apprenticeship schemes such as the ones offered at DWP Digital and Lancashire Country Council following on from T level placements. 

A Trusted Public Sector Partner

B&FC has long-standing relationships with local authorities and public bodies across the Fylde Coast and wider Lancashire region, including Lancashire County Council, Wigan Council, Wyre Borough Council, DWP Digital, the Department for Transport and Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS to name just a few. As a result, we understand the regulatory, financial and service-delivery pressures that define public sector work. Our tutors have expertise in public administration and our programmes are built with progression and long-term career development in mind. 

The college is also a key partner in Blackpool’s forthcoming Multiversity project - a new state-of-the-art campus delivering a 21st century learning environment in the town centre, being developed with Blackpool Council and Lancaster University. The project will further strengthen the alignment between education and regional workforce needs.

Supporting Strategic Workforce Planning

As public services adapt to changing demographics, evolving technologies and tighter budgets, the ability to grow talent from within is crucial. Apprenticeships offer a cost-effective way to develop the next generation of leaders, digital specialists, finance professionals and service managers.

Blackpool and The Fylde College not only understands this challenge - but is helping to meet it.

With a wide range of apprenticeships, flexible delivery, embedded employer support, and clear progression pathways, B&FC is ideally placed to support local authorities in building a stronger, more skilled and more resilient workforce.

To find out more, please visit blackpool.ac.uk/employers or contact business@blackpool.ac.uk