Over the past decade, Bradford College and BDCU have worked together to develop local talent through high-quality apprenticeship opportunities, helping individuals build successful careers while supporting the continued growth of one of the region’s leading community-focused financial organisations.
Since welcoming its first Bradford College apprentice in 2016, BDCU has embedded apprenticeships at the heart of its workforce strategy. Today, around 40% of BDCU’s employees are current or former apprentices, highlighting the organisation’s long-term commitment to nurturing local talent and creating meaningful career pathways.
BDCU Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative dedicated to promoting financial inclusion and supporting local communities. Over the last 10 years, the organisation has experienced significant growth, increasing from 3,000 members to more than 12,000 members, while expanding from just three payroll partner employers to 34 employers, now serving more than 4,000 employees across the region.
Apprentices have played a central role in that success.
One of the most inspiring examples is Bryony, who became BDCU’s very first Bradford College apprentice in 2016.
Nearly a decade later, Bryony is among BDCU’s longest-serving employees and has become one of its most experienced lending specialists. As she prepares to welcome her second child later this year, her journey continues to demonstrate how apprenticeships can create lasting and rewarding careers.
Bryony said, “Starting as an apprentice with Bradford College was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Over the last ten years I’ve had the opportunity to develop my skills, build my confidence and grow alongside the organisation. I’m proud of the career I’ve built at BDCU and of the difference we make to our members and local communities every day.”
Bryony’s progression reflects BDCU’s strong commitment to retaining and developing talent, with many apprentice graduates choosing to build long-term careers within the organisation.
The strength of the Bradford College and BDCU partnership was recognised recently at the West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards 2026.
At the awards ceremony, BDCU was named SME Employer of the Year, while Bradford College apprentice Ariba Matloob won the prestigious Advanced Apprentice of the Year award.
Ariba joined BDCU in a Member Services role and quickly impressed colleagues with her professionalism, commitment, and willingness to learn. Following her outstanding performance, she has recently been promoted into the Finance and Credit Control team, where she continues to thrive.
Her success has not stopped there. Following her regional award win, Ariba has now been nominated for the National Skills and Apprenticeship Awards 2026, further showcasing the impact apprenticeships can have on individual career development.
Speaking after the awards, Ian Brewer, EDI Community Development Lead at BDCU and previous Mentor of the Year winner, said:
“Our partnership with Bradford College helps us focus on developing talent. This approach has increased retention and promotions. BDCU is a shining example of how apprenticeships can drive business success and benefit the local community.”
As a community-focused financial institution, BDCU helps individuals and families improve their financial wellbeing through savings products, affordable loans and financial inclusion initiatives. By investing in apprenticeships, and supporting workplace savings through payroll partnerships, the organisation is also investing in the economic future of Bradford and the wider West Yorkshire region.
“Not only is BDCU doing a brilliant job of helping the community – promoting financial wellbeing and running a number of successful financial inclusion projects – it has a clear focus on helping local employees by actively supporting vital apprenticeship pathways.”
As Bradford College and BDCU celebrate ten years of partnership, there is much to be proud of. From supporting apprentices like Bryony and Ariba to helping grow a thriving community organisation, the collaboration demonstrates how apprenticeships can transform lives, strengthen businesses, and create lasting social impact.
For organisations considering apprenticeships, the story of Bradford College and BDCU is clear evidence that investing in people is one of the most effective ways to build a successful future.
Click here to find out how to empower your workforce by employing an apprentice.
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An established partnership between BDCU Credit Union and Bradford College resulted in several big wins at the annual West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards 2026. At a glittering ceremony at the Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford, BDCU won the ‘SME Employer of the Year’ award. Employee Ariba Matloob also won ‘Advanced Apprentice of the Year.’ Bradford College […]
