Our new Future Careers academy with Barnsley Council

We have partnered with Barnsley Council to create a new academy which will create a ‘new generation’ of local government employees.

The Future Careers academy is a landmark which will see the relationship between the two strengthened with a formal partnership. Barnsley Council – one of the borough’s largest employers with around 3,500 staff – already employs 100 College-trained apprentices and regularly works alongside the College on events, talks and campaigns.

“This academy will build upon the already successful pathway from College to the council by letting us do more of that targeted, collaborative work to expose students to the diverse areas of work available.”

Around 35 Barnsley Council employees start an apprenticeship with the College every year – in the past three years, 34 per cent have gone through a Business apprenticeship, 26 per cent a Childcare and Education Profession apprenticeship and 13 per cent Computing and Science.

Our Principal and Chief Executive David Akeroyd said: “It is a proud moment for the College to enter into this academy partnership with Barnsley Council.

“Our academy programme is all about giving students a clear flight path into their chosen industry – so that when they leave College for the next steps in their career, they have had the best possible preparation for whatever exciting opportunities and responsibilities are ahead of them.

“Barnsley Council is one of the borough’s most recognisable employers with roles across almost every sector imaginable, so it’s vital that our students are well aware of those opportunities.

“This academy will build upon the already successful pathway from College to the council by letting us do more of that targeted, collaborative work to expose students to the diverse areas of work available.”

The academy – which sees a classroom branded in Barnsley Council colours – will see different council departments able to deliver industry talks, career advice and support topics within the curriculum.

The College now has more than 20 academy partnerships with organisations from local anchor institutions such as Barnsley Hospital, to logistics giants GXO and Evri – among others spanning construction, digital and leisure industries.

Cllr Robert Frost, Cabinet Spokesperson for Core Services, said: “We want to make Barnsley the place of possibilities – to inspire ambition and support people to develop and grow.

“Every day, we provide over a hundred essential services to residents of Barnsley. Through our new Future Careers Academy, we aim to inspire the next generation to join our award-winning council and help make a real difference to the lives of Barnsley residents.

“Thanks to the partnership with Barnsley College, our academy, will offer students valuable insights from our fantastic employees into the rewarding and varied work at the council. The academy is designed to equip students with the skills needed to build successful and fulfilling careers, regardless of their chosen path.”