Council unveils extended youth jobseeker scheme to buck National trend
With unemployment figures across the country continuing to rise, Ealing Council has announced the expansion of its youth apprentice scheme.
The apprenticeship programme is now open to other employers in the borough including small and medium sized companies, providing them with a service to help them recruit young people, including school and college leavers, into apprenticeships.
Businesses will receive free support to recruit suitable young people and match them with opportunities. Companies can take on any number of apprentices, but they must be able to support the young people to work towards a qualification by providing appropriate supervision and on-the-job training.
The Council is also recruiting now for its own apprenticeship programme, with plans to have 40 trainees by spring next year. There are roles on offer for young people aged 16 to 24 in various teams including finance, HR, housing and insurance. Apprentices will earn around £160 per week and will be supported to work towards NVQ levels two and three in admininstration, IT, or customer service.
Councillor David Millican, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, said: “As the economic outlook grows increasingly gloomy it’s really important we do our bit to enhance employment opportunities in the borough. I’m delighted that we’re now supporting other businesses to take on apprentices. University isn’t for everyone and this is a great way of getting young people into jobs were they can earn money while learning skills and gaining qualifications.”
If you're an employer in the borough and you want to develop apprenticeship placements, contact Fiona Kellam on 020 7903 8795 or email fkellam@ealingebp.com
The closing date for applications to Ealing Council’s own apprenticeship scheme is 30 September 2008, with successful applicants starting in February 2009. For more information visit www.ealing.gov.uk/jobs
September 15, 2008
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