A picture of Apprentices Laura Thompson and Stephen Palmer.
Apprentices Laura Thompson and Stephen Palmer.

We are proud to announce that two of our new apprentices have started work with Liberty Jamboree, a Lichfield-based community organisation supporting young people with special educational needs and disabilities, neurodiversity and mental health challenges.

Stephen Palmer and Laura Thompson will help strengthen the charity’s services across the district and Staffordshire by providing young people with opportunities to build independence, confidence, and social development through tailored support and real-life experiences.

The apprentices, who have embarked on a two-year Youth Support Worker Level 3 apprenticeship, will also be working with us on our priorities to address antisocial behaviour and develop wider community support within the district. 

Councillor Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council, said:

“We’re delighted to be supporting the fantastic work that Liberty Jamboree does for young people in our community. This partnership is a brilliant example of how we can invest in both our workforce and our residents, giving our apprentices valuable hands-on experience while helping to improve the lives of young people across the district.”

Maggi Huckfield, Chief Executive Officer at Liberty Jamboree, said:

“I am incredibly proud to be working in partnership with such a forward-thinking and dynamic council. This represents a unique opportunity to strengthen support for young people across Lichfield and to lay the foundations for a co-productive framework that will shape and inform future investment in youth provision within the district.”

The apprentices are among the council’s latest intake of eight, reflecting its ongoing commitment to attracting fresh talent into local government and supporting people to build rewarding and meaningful careers.

To find out more about Liberty Jamboree and the work it does, visit Home - Liberty Jamboree

Published: 3 November 2025