Wigan-based McKee Associates have benefited from the Future Apprentices for Business (FAB) programme, recruiting Ethan Molyneux as a Level 6 Building Services Engineer Degree Apprentice. The company is a multi-disciplinary building services design consultancy working across the built environment.
This marks the first degree apprenticeship supported by the FAB programme since its launch. Ethan started in August 2025 and is completing his apprenticeship alongside a BEng (Hons) in Building Services and Sustainable Engineering at the University of Central Lancashire, combining academic study with practical experience.
McKee Associates reports that Ethan has settled in well, is progressing quickly, and is gaining strong technical skills and confidence through working with senior engineers. The business describes the experience as highly positive, reinforcing the value apprentices bring.
Duncan McKee, director and founder of McKee Associates, said: “Taking on an apprentice has been a fantastic investment for our business. Watching his confidence and skills grow in a real working environment, while studying towards his degree, highlights the true value of apprenticeships.”
Ethan Molyneux added: “This opportunity has allowed me to gain hands-on experience while working towards my degree, giving me a strong start to my career and the confidence to develop within the industry.”
The HUB CIC, Leigh
The HUB CIC benefited from the Future Apprentices for Business (FAB) grant, recruiting Jasmine Balmer in October 2024 to complete a Level 2 Adult Care Worker apprenticeship with training delivered by Wigan and Leigh College. Jasmine has developed the skills and confidence to support adults with care needs effectively.
The apprenticeship has been a valuable investment for The HUB CIC, strengthening its team while maintaining continuity of care. Jasmine already understands the organisation’s values and environment, allowing her to contribute positively.
For Jasmine, the experience has boosted her confidence and skills, combining classroom learning with practical application in her role.
The FAB grant played a key role in enabling the organisation to recruit, making it more affordable and accessible. The HUB CIC now views apprenticeships positively and would recommend the grant to other businesses as a practical and impactful way to develop talent.
Speaking with Zoe Littley, Service Manager at The HUB CIC about the wider importance of training and development within care, she said: “Investing in apprentices through the FAB grant has strengthened our workforce and supported our commitment to developing the future of adult social workers.”
She also added: “When you’re caring for people, being trained well isn’t just a skill, it’s a responsibility. Good training gives our team the confidence to support others with dignity, compassion, and safety, and it ensures every person who walks through our doors feels valued and truly cared for.”
The HUB CIC’s experience shows how apprenticeships help organisations develop talent, meet workforce needs, and create opportunities for local young people.
Castle Hill St Philip's CE Primary School, Hindley
Castle Hill St Philip’s CE Primary School has become the first school in the Wigan Borough to secure the Future Apprentices for Business (FAB) grant, recruiting two apprentices into new roles.
The school welcomed Charlotte Adamson and Holly Stocks in September 2025. Both apprentices are undertaking the Teaching Assistant Level 3 apprenticeship standard (Level 3 is equivalent to A level), with training delivered by Salford City College.
The Teaching Assistant (Level 3) standard focuses on supporting the class teacher to enhance learners’ progress and development, working with individuals and small groups, and helping pupils to stay engaged and make progress. Skills that are vital in a busy school environment.
Joanne White, Business Manager at Castle Hill St Philip’s, said the experience has been very positive. After an initial period of training and support, both apprentices are settling in well, growing in confidence and becoming valued members of the team.
Joanne also highlighted the impact of the FAB funding in helping the school take this step: “The FAB grant played a significant role in our decision to recruit. The financial support made it more viable and gave us the confidence to bring in apprentices and support them effectively from the start.”
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.”
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.