National Apprenticeship Week 2025: Leonni shares her story
“If you asked 18-year-old me what I’d be doing in my twenties, I never would’ve thought I’d be where I am now.”
Leonni is starting a new job this month as Personal Assistant to our Director of Children’s Services. During National Apprenticeship Week (10-16 Feb), Leonni has shared her story of how she started out on Wirral Council’s Apprenticeship Scheme.
Leonni said:
My career started when I was 18 and I was contacted by the 0-19 team, who focus on getting care leavers into education and employment. I was a care leaver and they asked if I’d be interested in an apprenticeship. I’d just been made redundant from my previous job so I jumped at the opportunity!
The apprenticeship took about 18 months and I started my role as a PA to the Head of Service for Permanence in Children’s Services. During that time I completed a level 2 and 3 NVQ in Business Administration.
After her apprenticeship, Leonni provided business support in the council’s Integrated Front Door and Children’s Services. Her experiences as a care leaver gave her a unique perspective among colleagues and she was soon sharing her ideas to improve systems for young people.
Leonni said:
I sat on the council’s Corporate Parenting Board alongside elected members and I was a member of the Care Leavers Council, briefly.
Wirral Council is a Corporate Parent to young people in care.
Cllr Paul Stuart, Leader of Wirral Council and a Wirral foster carer, said:
As Corporate Parents, we strive to improve outcomes for children and young people who are in or have left care. Part of this commitment includes offering apprenticeships and other opportunities to care leavers like Leonni, providing them with a strong foundation for their future careers.
I want to celebrate Leonni and the 160+ fantastic apprentices at Wirral Council. They are gaining valuable experience and skills in various roles, excelling in civil engineering, social work, horticulture, data analysis, and more.
Leonni says this support undoubtedly helped her to find her feet as a teen transitioning into adulthood.
She said:
I’ve been supported through my childhood and now into adulthood and that has honestly encouraged me and helped me to make better decisions. So now I’m here with a steady job, my own house and a car. But it’s adult life and I’m glad I got here.
Young people looking to get a foothold in the world of work are invited to attend a Career and Jobs Fair on Wednesday 5 March, 1-5pm at the Floral Pavilion. This event will feature employers across multiple industries, showcasing a mix of entry level roles, training opportunities and careers support.
You can register to attend via Wirral Council's Launchpad Jobs & Careers Fair or simply turn up on the day.
