National Apprenticeship Week – Progression in ICT and Beyond

At Inspiring Communities Together, we believe that learning is a lifelong journey that empowers individuals and strengthens our community. As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we are proud to showcase the impact of our ‘Learning for Work, Learning for Life’ (LFWLFL) programme, which provides valuable placement opportunities for local people looking to gain experience, develop new skills, and progress in their careers.

Through this initiative, we support individuals in gaining practical workplace experience, helping them build confidence and prepare for long-term employment. It’s not just about finding work—it’s about creating sustainable career pathways that enable people to thrive.

LFWLFL placements can consist of opportunities in Administration, Communications and Marketing, Childcare, and Environmental work, providing a broad range of skills and experiences to help individuals progress in their chosen career paths.

A key part of our commitment to workforce development is also reflected in our own team. We are excited to highlight the internal progression of three of our current apprentices who are actively contributing to our organisation while furthering their education and career prospects:

• Joanne Inglis – ICT Level 5 Business Management Apprentice

From leaving school, Joanne had always been in the catering industry until the arrival of her first child in 2009 and her second in 2010. This led to a brief period away from work, during which she came across Inspiring Communities Together and volunteered in the Food Matters programme in Salford.

After this time, she returned to work at a hotel until an opportunity arose through Inspiring Communities Together for a food development worker role, helping people get back into employment. She stayed in this role until the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, when she transitioned to working with the Age Well team, delivering Tech and Tea online and then in the community.

In April 2023, Joanne had the opportunity to apply for the job of a Trainee Programme Manager (Neighbourhoods), which included the opportunity to complete a Level 5 in Operational Management. Over the years, she has enjoyed the various types of work she has been involved in and hopes to continue doing so.

• Naomi Cassidy – Level 3 Childcare Apprentice

Naomi, a local resident of Lower Kersal, joined Inspiring Communities Together in 2023 initially as part of Salford City Council Job Match scheme. Securing a one-year apprenticeship later that year, Naomi started her journey to complete a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Qualification, which she achieved in July 2024.

Naomi has remained at Inspiring Communities Together and is now working on achieving a Level 3 qualification in Early Years. “I absolutely enjoy working at Yogurt Pots, where I get the opportunity to make a real difference every day. It’s so rewarding to contribute to the development and well-being of the children in our care!”

• Daniela Davies – Level 2 Childcare Apprentice

Daniela is passionate about early years childcare, especially how young children develop and learn. Her first work placement involved working with children, an experience she loved and wanted to pursue further. After her placement ended, she transitioned into an apprenticeship when a position became available, and she has now started her Level 2 Childcare Apprenticeship with Yogurt Pots. In her free time, Daniela enjoys staying active with her dog, Dexter, and participates in 5k runs every Saturday.

These apprenticeships not only provide practical skills but also open doors to further qualifications and career advancements. By investing in our team’s development, we are fostering a culture of growth, innovation, and opportunity within Inspiring Communities Together.

As we mark National Apprenticeship Week, we celebrate the achievements of our apprentices and encourage others to consider the benefits of work-based learning. If you or someone you know is interested in gaining experience through our ‘Learning for Work, Learning for Life’ (LFWLFL) programme, we would love to hear from you!

We are also excited to share a special video that highlights the journey and impact of our ‘Learning for Work, Learning for Life’ programme.

Watch it here:

Together, we can continue to build a stronger, more skilled, and resilient community.