National Apprenticeship Week 2020
He met with Rohey Sidibeh, who is completing her AAT finance apprenticeship, studying at Runshaw College whilst gaining vital experience in the finance team based at Lancashire Constabulary’s Hutton Headquarters.
As part of a Question and Answer session to learn more about each other’s roles, Rohey and the Commissioner discussed the importance of apprenticeships, her career goals and day to day experiences within her job role.
Rohey said:
“It was a really good opportunity to meet the Commissioner and talk about my role, ask him about the work he does and talk about how apprenticeships are really great ways to get a job and still get to go to college and learn new skills that way too.
“I am getting the chance to spend time in the different teams within the finance department which is a great way for me to build my career.”
The Commissioner also outlined the importance of the work carried out within the finance team after years of reducing budgets. This came as national inspectors highlighted Lancashire as an ‘Outstanding’ force in relation to how efficiently they spend money and the service they provide the people of the county.
He said:
“Apprenticeships provide a great opportunity for those who want to take an alternative path into policing, and it has been really good to hear first-hand Rohey’s experiences during her time within the force.
“It’s great to hear that she is learning key skills that will benefit her long term career, whilst also making a really positive impact now to the work that the force does to keep the people of Lancashire safe.
“The pressures that the force face with budget reductions after almost a decade of austerity in policing, means that the way we spend and manage the vital funds we do have is more important than ever.
“The role the finance department play in this cannot go unmentioned, and I’m proud that we have this week been named as an outstanding force when it comes to using our resources efficiently to keep people safe and tackle crime.
The Commissioner is committed to the use of apprenticeships to support the work of the force and also help create job opportunities that develop people’s skills and careers.
His ‘Backing Lancashire’ campaign builds on his pledge, alongside Lancashire Constabulary, to ensure all procurement and commissioning activity maximises social, economic and environmental benefit.
He added:
“Last year I grew my commitment to invest back into the county wherever possible and launched my ‘Backing Lancashire’ campaign, with the creation of apprenticeships a really important part of this work.”
