“I started my career as an apprentice”: Council Leader reflects on opportunities during National Apprenticeship Week

As National Apprenticeship Week gets underway, Councillor Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council and Portfolio Holder for Economy, Regeneration, Devolution and Skills, is reflecting on his own journey – one that began not in politics, but as a young apprentice on the South Humber Bank.

After leaving school at 16, Councillor Jackson began his career in the local chemistry industry. He spent seven years studying one day a week at the then Grimsby College of Technology (now the Grimsby Institute), all whilst gaining hands‑on experience in the workplace.

His apprenticeship provided the foundation for a successful career in business and industry, building the knowledge, experience and confidence that would eventually lead him into the public sector.

Looking back, he credits those early opportunities with shaping his future, saying: “I started my career as an apprentice, and it gave me the skills, confidence and work ethic that have stayed with me throughout my entire career. Apprenticeships open doors – often for young people who just need the chance to show what they can do. That’s why supporting skills development in North East Lincolnshire is so important to me personally, as well as professionally.

“We want people of all ages to have clear, high‑quality routes into good jobs. When our residents succeed, our communities and local economy thrive too,” he added.

Apprenticeships remain an important part of the skills landscape in North East Lincolnshire, with local achievement rates above the national average. However, challenges remain. According to the Council’s Skills Strategy and Action Plan, many local businesses are struggling to find workers with the right skills – particularly in key growth sectors such as offshore wind, hydrogen production, and decarbonisation. These industries are projected to create up to 32,000 jobs by 2040, but without a skilled local workforce, employers may need to look beyond the area to fill these roles.

Apprenticeships provide a crucial pathway to address this gap, offering practical routes into meaningful careers for young people and adults alike.

National Apprenticeship Week brings together employers, training providers and learners across the UK, celebrating the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses, and the wider economy. North East Lincolnshire Council are celebrating by sharing stories of its own apprentices as well as tips from employers across the borough.

For anyone interested in exploring apprenticeship opportunities in North East Lincolnshire, visit www.lincs2.co.uk for current vacancies and information.