Future Apprentices for Business (FAB) grants help employers create meaningful pathways into sustainable careers. By connecting businesses with talented individuals, FAB supports workforce development while driving growth and resilience across the local economy.
Below is a selection of businesses sharing their inspiring stories of how hiring apprentices has strengthened their teams and invested in talent that has contributed to their long-term success.
Michelle Lilley Hairdressing, Winstanley
A Winstanley-based salon received a FAB grant in October 2025 and went on to welcome apprentice Lydia Hanway‑Jones, who began her training in December 2025 through Wigan and Leigh College.
Salon Owner and Stylist Michelle Houghton shared how Lydia has quickly become part of the team, she said: “Lydia is a great asset to the business. She has settled in really well and is a great member of our team.”
Michelle also added: “The FAB grant has been a great incentive for the business and made it more affordable to give Lydia the opportunity for her apprenticeship.”
Lydia is working towards the Hairdressing Professional (Level 2) apprenticeship standard. This focuses on delivering a high-quality, client-centred service, combining practical hairdressing skills with professionalism, safe working practices and excellent customer care.
Michelle explained: “Lydia is progressing really well. She’s enjoying being in the workplace, she’s settled in college and is enjoying her one day a week in college to develop her skills and then put them into practice in the workplace.”
Apprentice Lydia Hanway-Jones said: “I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship. I’m learning something new every week and I love being able to practise what I’m taught at college straight away in the salon. Everyone has been really supportive, and it’s helped me grow in confidence with clients.”
Michelle was clear about the value of the programme, not only the funding, but also the wider support: “I would without doubt recommend the FAB grant to other businesses. I really appreciate all the support I have had with the application and all the ongoing support received from the FAB team at Wigan Council.”
And looking ahead, the salon is already thinking about their next steps: “I would definitely consider more apprentices in the future.”
Rebuild with Hope, Wigan 
Billy Halliwell, the first FAB-supported apprentice at Rebuild with Hope Foundation (RwH), has been crowned Apprentice of the Year 2025, a fantastic achievement that highlights the impact of the FAB programme in supporting local talent and employers.
Billy joined the team in September 2024 as a Level 3 Digital Support Technician apprentice via Wigan and Leigh College. His commitment and enthusiasm have been instrumental in delivering key projects, including a borough-wide data collection platform to improve service coordination. His hard work and growth have now been recognised with the top award for apprentices across the borough.
“Starting my apprenticeship with Rebuild with Hope, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Through hands-on experience, learning from mistakes, and support from those around me, I’ve grown a lot, both professionally and personally. A big thank you to the team for your guidance and belief in me,” said Billy Halliwell, Apprentice.
Joshua Hill, Digital Inclusion Lead at Rebuild with Hope, said the FAB grant was pivotal in their decision to recruit an apprentice: Joshua said: “Billy has been a tremendous support across all our projects. His contribution has made a real difference, and we’re thrilled to see him recognised at the Business Awards.”
Encouraged by Billy’s success, Rebuild with Hope has recently secured another FAB grant and recruited an apprentice from the FAB talent pool, which is designed to further incentivise priority groups including young people who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and care experienced. In doing so, RwH continues to demonstrate its commitment to developing local talent and strengthening community impact.
A S Construction Services NW Limited, Leigh
The company first accessed the FAB grant in June 2023, recruiting Sebastian Roberts (20) onto a Bricklaying Apprenticeship with Wigan and Leigh College. Sebastian successfully completed his apprenticeship in spring 2025 and remains a valued member of the team.
Encouraged by this success, A S Construction secured a second FAB grant in August 2025, welcoming Harley Betley (16) as their newest apprentice. Harley is now enrolled on the Bricklayer Level 2 Apprenticeship with Wigan and Leigh College and is already making an impact.
Harley Betley said: “I’m really enjoying learning on the job and getting hands-on experience. Every day is different, and I’m picking up skills that will set me up for the future. The team has been great at supporting me.”
The business says the FAB grant was a key factor in their decision to recruit apprentices, helping to offset costs during college training periods and enabling them to take on more work. They’ve already recommended the scheme to other tradespeople and plan to recruit more apprentices in the future.
“The grant has been a great incentive. It’s allowed us to grow while giving young people a chance to learn a trade. We’d definitely encourage other businesses to get involved,” said Adam Sutcliffe, owner, A S Construction Services NW Limited.
Helen Ferneyhough Associates, Wigan
A local business offering expert mortgage, protection, and insurance advice, recently welcomed two new apprentices to their team thanks to support from the FAB grant programme.
The company was approved for two FAB grants during the summer of 2025, and their apprentices Laila Dann (19) and Tiana McLoughlin (17) began their employment in September 2025, enrolling onto the Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship delivered by Wigan and Leigh College.
According to the team at Helen Ferneyhough Associates, both apprentices have settled in very well, quickly picking up their new roles and already making a positive impact on the business. The apprentices themselves have expressed how much they are enjoying their roles and how well they’ve integrated into the team.
While the business had already planned to recruit apprentices, the FAB grant was described as a welcome bonus. The experience has been so positive that the company is now considering recruiting more apprentices in the future for suitable roles.
When asked if they would recommend the FAB grant to other businesses, the response was a clear “Yes”. The business also praised the FAB team, noting that there were no suggestions for improvement to the process.
The Playhouse Day Nursery, Pemberton
In September 2023, The Playhouse Day Nursery welcomed Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprentice Carrie Foster, followed by Level 3 Early Years Educator apprentice Faith Pryle, who joined in November 2024. Training for the apprenticeship is delivered by NEAT College. Owner and manager Cheryl Dalton said: “Recruiting apprentices has been a great way to expand our team and allow the candidates to gain an in depth understanding of the daily tasks and duties required within a nursery provision.”
By integrating apprentices into their day to day routine, the nursery can provide hands on guidance, frequent assessment, and tailored support, helping to ensure that each apprentice thrives. This approach benefits the business by building a skilled workforce and benefits apprentices by equipping them with recognised qualifications and real world experience.
Apprentices at the nursery appreciate the blend of practical work and study. According to Cheryl, “They have loved being able to gain the knowledge and understanding of an Early Years Practitioner, enhancing their career prospects by working towards a formal, recognised qualification. They have found it beneficial to be learning throughout their working week and gained confidence within their roles.”
Beyond qualifications, apprentices value earning a wage while learning vital life and professional skills. This dual benefit underpins the core ethos of apprenticeships, preparing the next generation of professionals without the financial burden of fulltime study.
Cheryl emphasises that the FAB grant was instrumental in their decision to recruit apprentices. She said: “As a small business owner, it is a great incentive to be able to offer apprenticeship opportunities to school leavers and provide them with experience and skills they would need to fulfil a job role.”
The financial support reduces the initial cost of training, allowing smaller enterprises to invest confidently in workforce development. Cheryl adds that the FAB grant application process was “Quick, easy and straightforward,” with the FAB team offering consistent advice and support throughout.
Driven by their positive experience, the nursery plans to recruit apprentices annually. Cheryl added: “I will continue to offer apprentice positions each year with the support of the FAB grants.” Since its inception, every apprentice from the nursery has successfully secured employment upon completion, demonstrating the lasting impact of the programme.
Elite Electrical, Wigan
Elite Electrical has recently taken a significant step in investing in the future of the local workforce by welcoming two young apprentices, Charlie Parker and Casey Henry, into their team. Both started their Level 3 Installation Electrician apprenticeships in February 2025, in partnership with Wigan and Leigh College, and have already made a positive impact on the business.
“We invest in apprentices because they’re the future of our industry. Their fresh perspective, drive, and eagerness to learn make them a real asset to our team from day one. By supporting apprentices, we’re not just building skills, we’re embracing new technologies, modern methods, and shaping the future of our business. It helps us grow, evolve, and stay ahead. Our apprentices are amazing, and we’re proud to help them thrive,” said Dianne Holcroft, office manager, Elite Electrical.
According to the team at Elite Electrical, Charlie and Casey have quickly become valued members of the workforce. The apprentices are developing their on-site skills day by day, applying what they learn in the classroom to real-world projects, and bringing practical insights back to their college training.
Casey Henry reflects: “I find that my apprenticeship is going well. I’ve been welcomed into the team and helped along the way with anything that I am unsure on.”
Charlie Parker added: “I love it. I really enjoy working at Elite and I am very grateful for Lee and Paddy taking me on. I think that all the lads are great. Paddy is a good mentor and I am glad to be in such a good team.”
Dianne said: “The support and guidance from the team at FAB made the process a lot easier.” “We’re always looking to develop new talent, and the FAB grant not only helped us secure our first apprentices but has also encouraged us to plan for more in the future.”
Dianne confirmed that Elite Electrical will definitely be taking on more apprentices, recognising that the exchange of skills benefits both parties. Dianne added: “Sometimes a new skill that has been recognised and developed in the classroom can be adopted within the workplace and vice versa.”
Elite Electrical highly recommends the FAB grant to other local employers looking to grow their teams with motivated young talent.
Go Ben Travel, Ashton in Makerfield
Go Ben Travel, an independent travel agent, has recently welcomed a new addition to their team: a Level 3 Travel Consultant apprentice.
The FAB grant has enabled Go Ben Travel to invest in the future of their business while providing valuable training and career opportunities for young talent. The new apprentice, Xaria Dagnall, is already making waves, bringing fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the team.
"We're thrilled to have Xaria on board," said Benjamin Hughes, owner of Go Ben Travel. "The apprenticeship grant has been instrumental in allowing us to expand our team and enhance our services. Xaria has quickly become an integral part of our operations, and we're excited to see how she grows with us. The FAB grant was a deciding factor in our decision to go ahead."
The Level 3 Travel Consultant apprenticeship covers a wide range of skills, from customer service and sales to travel planning and booking. This comprehensive training ensures that apprentices are well-equipped to meet the demands of the travel industry and provide exceptional service to clients. Xaria, “It is an amazing opportunity to be guided by a great and experienced team to help me fulfil my goals.”
To find out more about the FAB grant and how it could benefit your business, visit FAB grants, contact the Business team or call 07795 953145.