Islington Council chosen to trial new apprenticeship standard

Islington Council has been selected to lead the way in a new scheme which would transform the way apprenticeships are delivered in the borough.

The local authority will be the first to trial the project that aims to develop the new apprenticeship standard for business administration.

This pilot scheme is being launched by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), and allows regional bodies to influence the content of these new apprenticeships. The objective is to make them more relevant to the needs of local employers and employees.

Speaking about the scheme, skills minister Nick Boles said: "I congratulate Islington Council for the key role it is playing in developing new top-quality apprenticeships. Through the trailblazers initiative, organisations like Islington, in collaboration with their industry partners, will give people the skills they need to thrive and our businesses need to compete."

The council revealed that last year, it created 38 apprenticeships of its own as well as providing 63 apprentices to over a dozen local employers.

This new project is significant because currently Islington is one of only two London boroughs represented on the trial of the 'Business Administrator Phase 3 Trailblazers'.

Other corporations such as npower, BT and HSBC are also trialling the new apprenticeship standard for business administration.

Richard Watts, leader of Islington Council said: "We have an excellent track record of helping supply local employers with the kind of tailor-made apprentices they need to help their businesses grow and thrive in the long term.

"Getting more people into work is my number one priority. Making sure apprenticeships fit the needs of local businesses is really important and will help to guarantee a sustainable future in work for more young people in Islington."

Published 23rd October, 2014

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