National Apprenticeship Week - Council strengthens inclusive recruitment with guaranteed apprenticeship interviews for care leavers

Southend-on-Sea City Council is joining organisations across the country to mark National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (9 to 15 February).

A person wearing a straw hat and beige clothing is kneeling in a colourful garden, planting or tending to small plants. They are surrounded by vibrant flower beds and leafy green shrubs.

This is a week-long celebration highlighting the positive impact apprenticeships make on individuals, businesses, and the wider economy.

The Council is reaffirming its commitment to strengthening apprenticeship opportunities by ensuring that apprenticeship pathways are routinely considered for suitable roles during recruitment.

This helps develop local talent, supports long‑term workforce resilience and ensures residents have clear, accessible routes into employment and skills.

As a Corporate Parent, the Council provides support for children in care and care leavers up to the age of 25, including help accessing education, training and employment.

To further this commitment, care leavers who apply for an apprenticeship with the Council are guaranteed an interview if they meet the entry requirements, removing barriers and improving access to secure and meaningful employment.

Reflecting on apprenticeships - then and now

As part of this year's celebrations, the Council spoke to Julian, a Senior Gardener, who began his career at the Council more than 46 years ago after joining straight from school.

Julian said: "I left school on the Thursday and started work in the parks on the Monday. That opportunity set me up for life. Most of what I learned came from working alongside experienced groundsmen, picking up skills every day. That hands-on learning is still what makes apprenticeships so valuable today.

"The variety kept me motivated - no two days were the same. Apprenticeships give young people that same chance to grow, build confidence and find a career they can be proud of."

His experience highlights the long‑standing impact that early, practical opportunities can have across a lifetime, and why apprenticeships continue to play an important role in the Council's workforce planning.

Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of the Council, said: "As someone who experienced care and became a care leaver at 16 years old, I know how important it is to have real opportunities that help you build confidence and shape your future. Apprenticeships offer exactly that - a supported, practical path into work and lifelong skills.

"I am proud that Southend-on-Sea City Council now considers apprenticeship routes for the recruitment of every single job - fulfilling a key priority for my administration. We also guarantee interviews for care leavers who meet the requirements. It is a meaningful and practical step that helps ensure care leavers in our city have every chance to succeed."

Colin Ansell, Chief Executive of Southend-on-Sea City Council, added: "Although I wasn't a care leaver, like many people I did face my own challenges growing up. Those experiences gave me resilience from a young age and a real appreciation for how life changing early opportunities can be.

"I began my working life packing boxes in the basement of a building at Newham Council, working my way up from the very bottom (literally) of the organisation, progressing through senior roles to become Chief Executive there and now here in Southend.

"Apprenticeships offer that same vital first step for those starting out, which is why strengthening pathways and improving access for care leavers is so important to us. I believe everyone should be afforded the opportunity to succeed and I would like to think my story shows that with hard work and dedication you can succeed."

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Published: 9th February 2026

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