This year’s Apprenticeship Week is underway, and the Isle of Wight Council is celebrating by raising the apprenticeship flag outside County Hall.
Since the introduction of the apprenticeship levy in 2017, over 600 council and maintained school staff have embarked on their apprenticeship journeys. These colleagues have benefited from training across almost 80 different apprenticeship programmes, showcasing the diverse opportunities available.
In 2025 alone, the Isle of Wight Council invested over half a million pounds in apprenticeship programmes — entirely funded through the apprenticeship levy. This brings the total investment to over £2.8million, underlining a long-term commitment to supporting the Island’s workforce and enabling staff to progress in their careers.
Over the past year, the council has continued to expand its apprenticeship offer, with strong growth in areas such as social care, digital technology and AI, environmental services, and apprenticeships in schools.
New and strengthened partnerships with training providers have increased the quality and variety of training routes available, ensuring Island workers can build the skills that local services and employers need.
The impact of apprenticeships continues to be felt across the organisation and the wider community. Many apprentices have progressed into permanent roles within the council, schools and frontline services, and several have gone on to receive regional recognition for their dedication and achievements.
Councillor Chris Jarman, who sits on the Apprenticeships Board, said:
“Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for people to grow, develop and contribute to the Island’s future.
Article continues below this advertisement “It’s inspiring to see colleagues gaining new skills, taking on new responsibilities and moving forward in their careers.
“The continued expansion of our apprenticeship programme shows how committed we are to investing in our workforce and supporting the services our community depends on.”
Council chairman, Councillor Ian Dore, added:
“When I joined the army, I attended the Army Apprentice College in Harrogate for my trade training, so I walked the apprenticeship path many years ago. What we have here today is truly something special.
“The achievements of our apprentices, whether in schools, frontline services or specialist roles, show the real value of learning on the job. Raising the apprenticeship flag is a clear reminder of the positive impact apprenticeships have across the Isle of Wight.
“We’re proud of every individual who has chosen this route, and proud to champion the opportunities that apprenticeships bring.”
National Apprenticeship Week is an annual celebration bringing together employers, training providers and learners across the country to highlight the value apprenticeships bring to individuals, organisations and communities.
Apprenticeships is a great chance for youngsters also
National service should be brought back for youngsters
who don’t want to work.
Let’s get the country working again.
Less Working from home and more team working
is the answer.
I don’t agree with Farage but he is right about
working from home.
The country has become lazy since the pandemic,
get back to work