Central Bedfordshire Council

Central Bedfordshire Council delivers apprenticeships and adult learning primarily through its Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Academy (BESA). BESA provides a range of adult learning courses and qualifications alongside apprenticeships and employment support, delivered directly by the academy or via sub-contracted training providers. Its offer includes English and maths skills, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), employability workshops, digital skills, health and wellbeing courses, as well as sector-focused training for early years, schools and residential childcare, plus free construction skills training and other accredited courses and qualifications. Apprenticeships with Central Bedfordshire Council give individuals the opportunity to develop job-specific skills, gain practical workplace experience and achieve a recognised qualification while earning a salary. Apprentices typically study towards a related qualification, often one day a week, and benefit from a blended approach to learning that includes classroom study, one-to-one coaching and ongoing support. Apprenticeships are open to people aged 16 and over and usually take between one and four years to complete, depending on level. As employees, apprentices also receive paid holidays, access to a pension scheme and wider staff benefits. This provision is designed to help residents and employees build skills for work, progression and long-term careers within Central Bedfordshire and beyond.(centralbedfordshire.gov.uk)