While the recession might officially be ‘over’ that doesn’t mean times aren’t hard and, if you’ve had an eye on the news, you’ll know that young people are amongst those who’ve been hardest hit by the economic downturn. To help give local young people a boost, Waltham Forest Council’s apprenticeship scheme is once again in full swing, with local 16-18year olds being offered the chance to get in touch regarding a potential Council apprenticeship. Since starting the scheme in 2006 the Council has taken on 80 apprentices, 24 of whom have been taken on permanently after their apprenticeship finished. This year the Council is hoping to take on 30 new apprentices in areas such as finance, legal services, ICT and the Council’s 2012 team. Waltham Forest’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, Cllr John Macklin, said: “Making sure our residents are equipped with the skills they need to compete in the workplace and driving down unemployment are two big priorities for the Council and taking on apprenticeships shows that we’re putting our money where our mouth is as an organisation. “In addition to this, research has shown that taking on apprentices can be a real boost to the organisation by increasing productivity, increasing competitiveness and providing a committed and well-skilled workforce which makes it a win-win situation for everyone involved.” “I’ve been working at the WFD call centre while doing a Business and Administration NVQ course since last April,” said Javell Holden, one of the Council’s apprentices. “I’ve found the course very beneficial and have just been offered a permanent job. I’ve learned many skills and would recommend this to anyone.” Lillie Stone, who undertook an apprenticeship with Education Support Services agreed, saying “I’ve become a lot more confident since being on the scheme and I’ve learnt a lot of skills in the workplace. I’ve met lots of new people and gained a new job!” Anyone aged 16-18 and interested in the scheme should contact CLaSS on
wbl@walthamforest.gov.uk or 020 8520 9430, who will provide details about an information session later in the month. Any employers looking to take on an apprentice can visit
www.apprenticeships.org.uk
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