Apprenticeships are a great way for young people to get a foot on the jobs ladder. They offer a unique opportunity to train on the job, gain a qualification, and get paid – all at the same time.
Over the next few weeks, we will be chatting with some apprentices working in different business areas at Ealing Council. This week, we met with Christian Tobon, a 22-year-old safer communities apprentice.
Why an apprenticeship?
Christian, who has lived in the borough since he was 6 years old, had always been interested in going down the apprenticeship route. He said: “I had always liked the idea of an apprenticeship, where I could gain hands-on experience, skills, and knowledge that I would not get at university.
“I felt pressured by family, friends, and school to follow the more traditional route of university. I went to university at 18 to study Maths and Computer Programming – I did not enjoy the course.”
After deciding that university was not the right choice for him, he applied to be an apprentice at Ealing Council and upon completion, Christian will gain a NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration.
My experience as an apprentice
Christian says he really enjoys working in the council’s crime prevention team. He feels challenged in his role, finds the work very interesting, and enjoys the variety.
“Every day and every case is different. What I enjoy the most about my job is the fact that I am doing something every day that can make a difference in someone’s life. I find it very rewarding when I deal with cases where I can provide support to victims of anti-social behaviour and crime.”
Next steps
Christian hopes to stay in the crime prevention team when his apprenticeship comes to an end. He is considering his options, which includes progressing into a permanent role or continuing his studies by progressing to a NVQ Level 6 or 7 degree apprenticeship.
‘Start your career with an apprenticeship’
Councillor Louise Brett, the council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes, said: “Our apprenticeship scheme has been running for more than 17 years and, in this time, we have recruited more than 135 apprentices. Christian is another fantastic example of how successful our apprenticeship programme is, and I am looking forward to following his journey.
“If hearing Christian or Luca’s stories have inspired you to find out more about apprenticeships, I encourage you to reach out to our apprenticeships team – start your career with an apprenticeship.”
