Southampton City Council puts apprentices at the heart of the organisation

Southampton City Council is celebrating the impact of its apprentices as part of National Apprenticeship Week (9–15 February 2026), highlighting how apprenticeships are helping individuals build careers while strengthening the council and the wider city economy.

Apprenticeships are central to the council’s approach to developing skills, supporting career progression and retaining talent. Through its Emerging Talent team, the council continues to invest in apprenticeships that help people learn, grow and contribute meaningfully to public services.

Over the past 12 months, Southampton City Council has significantly expanded its apprenticeship programme. The number of employees undertaking apprenticeships has risen to more than 200, while apprenticeship starters in the current financial year have more than doubled, increasing from 43 to 87. In addition, the council has transferred over £226,000 from the Government’s Apprenticeship Levy to 38 local businesses, enabling them to create further apprenticeship opportunities across the city.

One of the council’s apprenticeship success stories is Pawel Maculewicz, who joined Southampton City Council in 2021 as a Level 6 Architectural Assistant apprentice and is based in the Design Services team.

Pawel said:

“I always wanted to be an architect, but college proved challenging. My college teacher saw the potential in my designs and told me about apprenticeships as a pathway into work. I was excited to apprentice at Southampton City Council which enabled me to explore my creative side during university and practical architecture at work.

“It proved to be quite challenging sometimes, but it taught me how to overcome challenges and made me more confident. Being an apprentice has been and is an amazing adventure. It has given me both the knowledge and the freedom to explore new possibilities and gain experience, setting me up for the future. Although planting the tree may be challenging, I believe that, with the apprenticeship, there will not be a sweeter fruit to harvest in the future.”

Building on his success, Pawel is now studying for his Level 7 Architect Apprenticeship, continuing his professional development as his career progresses within the council.

Pawel’s manager, Kate Bond, highlighted the value apprentices bring to teams across the organisation. She said:

“Having an apprentice brings fresh energy and practical benefits to the team. They contribute to workload capacity while introducing new technologies, software skills, and ideas from the university that keep our practice current. Apprentices also help build a future talent pipeline and allow senior staff to focus on more complex tasks, improving overall efficiency.”

Councillor Sarah Bogle, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Growth and Skills, said apprenticeships play a vital role in delivering benefits for individuals, the council and the city as a whole.

She said:

“To see the way that apprenticeships at Southampton City Council have developed makes me feel extremely proud. Whilst learning new skills and gaining qualifications, the apprentices grow as individuals, building on their knowledge and experience. At the same time, the council benefits through motivated and upskilled employees who continually deliver for the city.

“Championing apprenticeships is an integral part of our new Growth and Prosperity Plan for ensuring local people benefit from economic growth. As more local businesses take advantage of apprenticeships through initiatives like the Apprenticeship Levy and Transfer to Transform, our local economy thrives with more people with much needed skillsets that businesses can tap into.”

Southampton City Council continues to place apprenticeships at the heart of its workforce strategy, supporting residents into skilled employment while helping local services and businesses thrive.