September sees the start of the annual ‘100 in 100’ campaign run by the council’s Ealing Apprenticeship Network. Where else can local businesses get sustained support to take on an apprentice – and also become part of a network at the same time?

Running for 100 days between September and December, the popular campaign aims to secure 100 pledges for new apprenticeship placements from local businesses – for the seventh year in a row.

Employers can offer apprenticeships to new people through the Network, or use apprenticeships to grow talent from among their current employees.

Apprenticeships allow employers to harness local talent, as well as fill skills gaps. Businesses also report a range of benefits to taking on apprentices, with 75% of employers claiming apprenticeships had improved the quality of their product or service.

Businesses that sign up as part of the 100 in 100 campaign will benefit from receiving advice and support from the Ealing Apprenticeship Network. This support includes advice on setting up the apprenticeship and the training programme required, as well as helping to match a young person to the placement.

They will also be listed on the council’s website in the running total of businesses that have signed up, and could potentialy be asked to feature in a future promotional article for the campaign, in Around Ealing magazine.

‘We work closely with businesses’

Since the campaign launched in 2012, the council has helped businesses create more than 600 apprenticeship vacancies. Over the next four years, it intends to achieve another 750.

Councillor Jasbir Anand, cabinet member for business and community services, said: “Ensuring that people earn living incomes is one of our top priorities and local businesses are key to this. We work closely with businesses to support them in hiring and training apprentices, ensuring that good employment opportunities are available to our residents.”

The stats 

• 80% of companies that invest in apprentices have reported a significant increase in employee retention
• 77% of employers believe apprenticeships make them more competitive
• 76% of those employers who employ apprentices agree they make their workplace more productive
• 81% of consumers favour using a company which takes on apprentices
• 92% of employers who employ apprentices believe that apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce.

Data compiled by the National Apprenticeship Service

Make a pledge: How it works

Employers who would like more information or to offer an apprenticeship should visit the apprenticeships pages of the council website and fill out the form online, or call 020 8825 6234.

Once you have made a pledge a member of the council apprenticeship team will be in touch with you to discuss if an apprenticeship is a good option for your business, followed by a visit to the premises where the apprentice will be working (or office base for apprentices who would be working remotely). You will be given assistance in setting up the apprenticeship role and in recruiting the apprentice.

HIRING? HERE IS MORE INFORMATION

• Call 020 8825 6234
• Email apprenticeships@ealing.gov.uk
• Visit www.ealing.gov.uk/apprenticeships