JULIE NASH - ASSISTANT BUSINESS PARTNER FOR WIGAN COUNCIL

‘Our partnership with Salford City College Group to deliver the level 5 ODM apprenticeship started in 2021. From the beginning, we felt Salford was the right fit for Wigan Council as we wanted a training provider who would truly partner with us to co-design a programme that not only included excellent quality of content and teaching but that weaved in the culture, behaviours and unique approach we have through the Wigan Deal. From the beginning, we started working closely with Rachael Holt, Management Training Associate at Salford City College Group, and she became a valuable, extended member of the team.

‘We created branding and an identity for the apprenticeship, which we call the BeWigan Leader Programme. Running throughout the units, we have co-developed bespoke sessions delivered by SMEs from within the council. The sessions complement the key objectives of the apprenticeship and support managers to develop their leadership roles in practice, and topics include: Wellbeing for leaders and their teams, managing a project, recruitment and induction of new staff, and managing budgets. Rachael has fully supported and co-delivered some of these internal sessions with our staff.’

‘In true partnership style, we jointly delivered new cohort engagement sessions and line manager information sessions, which prepare staff and their line managers to start the apprenticeship programme. The apprenticeship is acknowledged as a fantastic way for staff to develop their leadership skills and support their career development, we commence our fourth cohort in April, and we are very excited that our first cohort is reaching the end and completing their apprenticeship. Rachael is amazing and has been with all of them every step of the way.’

We are currently preparing for the start of cohort four in the spring and really looking forward getting the new programme underway.