Up to 50 adults will be getting a head start in the workplace following an excellent response to Islington Council's Apprentice Scheme. The news comes in the same week BT announced it was culling its graduate training scheme this year because of the recession. Islington received over 700 applications by the August deadline; these have been whittled down to a shortlist from which the lucky 50 apprentices will be chosen and start work with the council in late September. The Islington Apprentice Scheme offers paid work in a council department for up to two years, learning about all aspects of the job from professional staff. Cllr Lucy Watt, Executive Member for Skills and Business, Islington Council said: "We launched this ambitious apprenticeship scheme because of the recession. It is at times like this that we need to be doing all we can investing in local people's skills and futures, especially when other organisations are having to cut these opportunities because of commercial pressures. We don't want people who live in Islington to get forgotten or be left behind. Congratulations to those who got through the shortlist stage." Offered to residents over 16 years of age, the Islington Apprentices Scheme gives participants the skills and experience to give them the edge in the workplace. Successful apprentices will have their fees paid for day release NVQ courses as well as support with housing, debt or childcare. For those who are less successful they can still continue to access employment support services from Islington Working and the Job Centre. Islington Council provides over 250 services and employs one of the largest workforces in the borough. It is hopeful some of the apprentices will be matched to permanent vacancies within the organisation to keep their skills 'in-house'. With many varied careers to choose from and excellent conditions and support for employees, councils are increasingly seen as employers of first choice. ENDS
Page Last Updated: 26 August 2009