Celebrating 10 Years of Partnership with Bradford College

At BDCU Credit Union, we believe that investing in people is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen our organisation and our community. As we celebrate ten years of partnership with Bradford College, we’re reflecting on a decade of creating opportunities, developing local talent and supporting apprentices to build successful careers.

Since welcoming our first Bradford College apprentice in 2016, apprenticeships have become an integral part of our workforce and growth strategy. Today, around 40% of our employees are current or former apprentices, demonstrating our long-term commitment to nurturing talent and providing meaningful career pathways for local people.

As a not-for-profit financial cooperative dedicated to promoting financial inclusion across Bradford and West Yorkshire, we’ve experienced significant growth over the last decade. Our membership has increased from 3,000 to more than 12,000 members, while our payroll partnership network has grown from just three employers to 34, supporting over 4,000 employees across the region.

Our apprentices have played an important role in that journey.

Bryony’s Story: Nearly Ten Years of Success

One of the most inspiring examples of our apprenticeship programme is Bryony, who joined BDCU as our very first Bradford College apprentice in 2016.

Almost ten years later, Bryony is one of our longest-serving team members and has become one of our most experienced lending specialists. As she prepares to welcome her second child later this year, her career journey demonstrates how apprenticeships can lead to long-term, rewarding careers.

Reflecting on her experience, 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 our commitment to supporting and retaining talent, with many former apprentices choosing to build successful and long-lasting careers at BDCU.

Award-Winning Apprenticeship Success

The strength of our partnership with Bradford College was recently recognised at the West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards 2026.

We were proud to be named SME Employer of the Year, while Bradford College apprentice Ariba Matloob received the prestigious Advanced Apprentice of the Year award.

Ariba joined BDCU in a Member Services role and quickly impressed colleagues with her professionalism, enthusiasm, and commitment to learning. Following her excellent performance, she has recently been promoted to our Finance and Credit Control team, where she continues to develop and thrive.

Her achievements have continued beyond the regional awards, with Ariba now nominated for the National Skills and Apprenticeship Awards 2026, highlighting the opportunities apprenticeships can create for career development and progression.

Ian Brewer, BDCU’s EDI Community Development Lead 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.”

Creating Opportunities Beyond Apprenticeships

Our relationship with Bradford College extends beyond apprenticeship programmes.

For many years, Bradford College employees have been able to access our payroll savings scheme and affordable loan products, helping staff build financial resilience, develop positive saving habits, and access ethical alternatives to high-cost credit when needed.

Supporting financial wellbeing is at the heart of what we do. Through our savings products, affordable loans, and financial inclusion initiatives, we help individuals and families improve their financial confidence and security. By investing in apprenticeships and workplace savings through payroll partnerships, we’re also investing in the future economic prosperity of Bradford and the wider West Yorkshire region.

Zoe Corcoran, Head of Apprenticeships & Business Development at Bradford College, said:

“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.”

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate ten years of partnership with Bradford College, we’re incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved together.

From supporting apprentices like Bryony and Ariba to helping grow a thriving community-focused organisation, this collaboration demonstrates how apprenticeships can transform lives, strengthen businesses, and create positive social impact.

We look forward to continuing our partnership with Bradford College and creating even more opportunities for local people to learn, grow and succeed in the years ahead.