Finsbury Park prepares for apprenticeship week

More than 30 young Islington residents were employed as Islington Council apprentices over the last year as part of the council's commitment to tackle youth unemployment in the borough. The council has pledged to do the same for the next three years too.

Offering valuable work experience and regular support from a mentor, along with the opportunity to gain an NVQ qualification, council apprenticeships last for one year and are open to Islington residents aged 16 or over. 

Apprentices have filled a variety of posts within the council including working in cemeteries, in electoral services, in the benefits processing team, with the registrars, and as legal and finance assistants.

As well as its own apprenticeship opportunities, the council's Business Employment and Support Team (BEST) has also worked with local businesses and organisations across a variety of sectors, helping them to offer a further 41 apprenticeships for residents over the last year.

Two new training and apprenticeship schemes will be launched in Islington during National Apprenticeship Week (11-15 March):

Monday 11 March – The official launch of K&M Training Introduction to Work, 10.30am, Brewery Road, London N7

Using specially adapted premises provided by Islington Council, Islington based firm K&M McLoughlin Decorating Limited, is offering local 16-24 year-olds training in painting and decorating. By the end of the five-week course each student will be able to go on a construction site work-aware and ready for further training. They will also have more than fulfilled the criteria required for an apprenticeship in painting and decorating, and many other companies within the industry have already pledged their support and agreed to take the students on as apprentices.

Wednesday 13 March – The official launch of GetMoreBikes apprenticeship scheme,  11.30am, 1a Airdrie Close, Islington, N1 0DT

GetMoreBikes is recruiting 16-24 year-old Islington residents who do not have a university degree or equivalent level 4 qualification to be employed and trained as a Cycle Mechanic Apprentice.

Islington Council has provided funding to refurbish premises on the Bemerton Estate, Caledonian Road, into a fully fitted workshop and training centre. The GetMoreBikes apprenticeships will last for one year, with successful applicants gaining an internationally recognised 'Cytech' level 2 cycle maintenance qualification.

Technical Training will be undertaken by ATG Training, the leading cycle mechanics trainer in the UK.

Any local organisations interested in setting up an apprenticeship scheme can contact Best@islington.gov.uk or call 020 7527 3465 to find out how Islington Council's BEST team can help.

To find out more about council apprenticeships and the latest vacancies, visit www.islington.gov.uk/apprentices