Apprenticeships at Kirklees Council

Build your future. Learn and earn. Make a difference.

At Kirklees Council, apprentices aren’t just trainees — they’re future colleagues, bring new ideas and deliver essential services. Our award‑winning apprenticeships will help you grow, discover your strengths, and play a part in improving life for people across Kirklees.

Each year, around 20 new apprentices join our teams. Whether your apprenticeship lasts one year or three, you’ll be learning, earning, and making a positive impact from day one.

You’ll be offered a fixed term employment contract, paid a salary, and we will pay for your qualification.

Why Choose a Kirklees Council Apprenticeship

Because your development genuinely matters to us.
Because your ideas can help shape how we deliver local services.
Because we believe in giving people the opportunity to thrive.

You’ll gain real work experience, tailored training linked directly to your role, and support to build a career you’re passionate about. We want you to choose a pathway that excites you — something you’ll enjoy, commit to, and grow within.

Every vacancy comes with a Job Profile that outlines the role, qualities you need to apply, skills you’ll develop, and where it can take you. We encourage you to read everything carefully so you can find the right fit.

Applying for an apprenticeship

Our online application process gives us the information we need to understand your strengths and shortlist fairly – we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and aim to ensure the process is accessible.

You are eligible to apply if:

  • You’ve lived in the UK for at least 3 years (some exceptions may apply)
  • You are not in full‑time compulsory education
  • You meet the entry requirements for the role & qualification offered
  • You’re 16 or over (Year 11 students aged 15 can apply now but must be 16 at the start)

After you apply

If shortlisted for next stage, we’ll email you the details of what the selection process involves. Some roles may include short assessments — we’ll let you know beforehand.

If you’re not successful this time, we’ll email you too — and you’ll have the chance to request feedback to help you improve for next time.

You’ll also be asked to bring Right to Work documents to your interview (and any DBS documents if needed). Having these ready helps speed up the process if you’re offered a place.

Apprenticeship roles we offer

Most opportunities are advertised between February and March, but new roles can appear throughout the year as our services evolve.

Here are some of the areas our apprentices work in:

  • Business Administration (across council services and schools)
  • Construction trades
  • Highway Maintenance (including Civil Engineering)
  • Horticulture and outdoor work
  • IT and digital roles
  • Warehousing and Storage
  • Customer Service
  • Education support roles
  • Vehicle Maintenance

Wherever you join us, you’ll be part of a team helping to deliver the essential services that keep Kirklees running.

Please see our latest apprentice vacancies below. If there are no suitable vacancies available please register for alerts

Is an apprenticeship right for you?

A Kirklees Council apprenticeship is ideal if you:

  • Have a clear idea of the career path you want to follow
  • Are ready to learn in a real working environment
  • Can balance work responsibilities with academic study
  • Are confident being assessed through assignments, projects, and exams

We’re here to support you every step of the way — but your motivation and drive will help shape your success.

What your week will look like

On-the-job learning

  • You’ll work around 30 hours a week
  • You’ll learn from colleagues at all levels
  • You’ll have a workplace mentor supporting your growth

Off-the-job training

  • You’ll spend set time each week away from your work studying towards your qualification
  • This could be college days, block weeks, or online learning
  • You’ll complete assessments throughout your programme
  • For some roles and if required, you will be asked to take Functional Skills English & maths

Benefits of working with the council

Working for the council comes with a wide range of benefits, from generous leave to professional development and wellbeing support. Visit our Staff Benefits information to see everything we offer.

Contact

If you have any questions, please contact us - Council.Apprenticeships@kirklees.gov.uk

‍