More than 30 Fylde residents find work through partnership programme

Wednesday, 11 February 2026 16:29

By Richard Hunt

More than 30 Fylde residents have moved into work thanks to a successful partnership which has helped create training and apprenticeship opportunities.

Latest quarterly figures reveal impressive results from Fylde Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund employment programmes, run in partnership with AFC Fylde Community Foundation.

The Foundation is the official registered charity of AFC Fylde Football Club.

The Fylde Focus 19+ programme supported 27 residents into employment across hospitality, retail, construction, care and marketing, while five young people secured jobs in sectors ranging from animal care to retail.

A further five residents started apprenticeships with local businesses.

Young people not in education, employment or training have also benefited, with 24 aged 16–18 receiving dedicated support. Eleven have already progressed into apprenticeships or college courses including cyber security, motor mechanics and childcare.

The Foundation’s Training Ground programme helped 36 residents gain AQA Employability qualifications, building skills and confidence to support their next steps into work.

The programmes offer one-to-one mentoring including CV development, interview preparation, and help accessing training.

Ten local businesses have received support to take on apprentices, with eight signing up to the Lancashire Skills Pledge, which connects businesses with funded training, apprenticeship support and opportunities to build a future talent pipeline while supporting their local community.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “These results show exactly what can happen when we invest in our residents. Behind every number is a real person who now has new skills, renewed confidence, and a brighter future ahead of them. I’m incredibly proud of what this partnership is achieving for our community.”

Chris Brannigan, Chief Executive Officer at AFC Fylde Community Foundation, added: “The partnership between the Foundation and the Council is delivering measurable, positive outcomes across the Borough.

“In particular, our work supporting residents who are out of work is creating significant social value for Fylde – a collective achievement of which all partners should be proud.”