MIL-OSI United Kingdom: SLC announces new Darlington apprenticeships during National Apprenticeship Week

To mark National Apprenticeship Week (10-16 February), the Student Loans Company (SLC) has announced it is recruiting 12 new apprentices in Darlington.

Applications for the Student Finance Officer (SFO) Apprenticeships are now open, and successful candidates will join the organisation’s Customer Operations team in July.

SLC supports students across the UK to invest in their futures and unlock their potential by administering loans and grants to students in universities and colleges across the UK. The new SFO apprentices will be at the heart of this operation, supporting customers through their student finance journeys and helping to process around 1.5million applications each year.

The 18-month programme is being delivered in conjunction with Darlington College and apprentices will work towards will work towards apprenticeship certificates in L3 Business Administrator.

Jackie Currie, Executive Director of Customer Operations at SLC said: “It’s fantastic to be launching our latest apprentice search during National Apprenticeship Week. The theme for the week is ‘Skills for Life’ and I’m proud of the role that SLC plays in developing the talent of the future, through our apprenticeship programmes.  

“I’m looking forward to welcoming our new apprentices to the Customer Operations Team this summer and would urge people across the North East to apply. It’s a fantastic opportunity to work and gain experience within a large public sector organisation and achieve a recognised qualification at the same time.”

SLC currently has 29 apprentices working across all areas of the organisation, with many former apprentices continuing to progress their careers with SLC after completing their qualification.

Thomas Goodliffe (21) joined SLC as an SFO Apprentice in 2023. He completed his Level 3 Business Administration qualification with distinction and was named Darlington College’s Apprentice of the Year award in 2024. He now has a permanent SFO position.

He said: “I would strongly recommend SLC’s apprenticeship programme, particularly if you are just starting out and want to work and study at the same time. I received fantastic support from SLC and Darlington College, which helped me to make the most of my experience.

“The skills that I have gained, both at work and through my studies, have given me a great start to my career and there are so many opportunities at SLC which will allow me to keep learning and developing. I’m already planning my next career steps and feel excited about what the future holds.”

For more information and to apply, please visit https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/student-loans-company-hub/.