Ealing encourages apprenticeships with new scheme

Ealing Council is taking a step towards helping local young people in need of a job throughout the London borough, with the advent of a new programme that will see local businesses encouraged to hire young people as part of its apprenticeship scheme.

The initiative will see the local authority pair young people to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) throughout the area, in roles ranging from IT support to business administration to customer services, depending upon the apprentice's skill set and ambitions.

Participants who take the council up on its offer will be paid for their time, while the cost of any required formal training will be covered by the government in most cases.

The programme has been especially designed not only to attract young people desperate for work and experience, but also to ensure local SMEs are up to the task of hiring apprentices, so that they can continue to take on new employees.

"We will have officers who can help you work out the logistics of hiring a young person, develop a job description and support you throughout the process," said council leader Julian Bell.

"It doesn’t matter how big or small your business is or whether you’re looking for someone to help out with IT, merchandising or customer services, we can help find the perfect person for you."

Under the scheme, small businesses throughout Ealing are eligible to apply for funds of up to £1,500 to pay for the costs of hiring and training an apprentice.

The move represents a development of the Ealing Apprenticeship Network, which was set up earlier this year and has already had a positive impact on the local community.

Dipna Anand, managing owner of Brilliant Restaurant, hired apprentices through the initiative and described it as one of the best steps she had ever taken for her business.

"I have been recommending it to other managers," she added.

Schemes like this ensure that local residents have jobs to go to and businesses to enjoy.

Published by Chris Price

Published 15th May, 2013

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