Wakefield Council apprentice wins regional award

Wakefield Council is delighted that one of its apprentices has been recognised at the West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards 2025.

Olivia Blackham won the Health and Public Service Apprentice of the Year.

Olivia has been at the Council since September 2023 as an apprentice in the Environmental Health training team. During that time, she has been supporting the delivery of first aid, food hygiene and health and safety training to businesses and communities.

Although her focus is on delivering training, she works across the team interpreting regulatory complexities to enhance understanding and accessibility for customers and developing learning resources.

She has also delivered neurodiversity training for the team as well as helping others to embrace modern technology, providing valuable direct support to individuals. She has become passionate about first aid in the community and has been integral in the delivery of parent and toddler sessions.

Olivia said: “I’m delighted to have received this award. My apprenticeship with Wakefield Council has given me so many opportunities to grow my knowledge but also my confidence to progress in my career.

“I’ve learnt so much whilst working within Environmental Health about supporting local communities and the importance of equipping the public with knowledge.

“My apprenticeship has allowed me to do my job and help the public but also earn a good living and learn and improve.

“I would encourage anyone who wants to change their career and grow their skills to apply for a Council apprenticeship.”

Ambitious people are being urged to apply for the roles which give people opportunities to launch, or grow, their career and develop their skills through working and studying whilst getting paid.

Council apprenticeships are available at different levels – up to degree level - and offer people the chance to broaden their experience and education in ways that enable the Council to deliver services and support residents and communities.

Currently, the Council is advertising for apprenticeships within Revenues and Benefits and Business Administration. The closing date for these is 8 June 2025.

The Council was named as Large Employer of the Year at the National Apprenticeship Awards in 2021.
For more information, see https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/jobs-and-training/apprenticeships/

The West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards recognise excellence across 14 categories, highlighting the achievements of apprentices and the crucial roles played by employers and training providers in developing talent for the future.

It is a celebration of the outstanding individuals, training providers and businesses shaping the region’s thriving apprenticeship community. Find out more at https://www.nationalworldevents.com/wyaa-2025/