As part of our ‘meet the apprentices at Ealing’ series, we chatted to Sadia Anwar, a 27-year-old housing demand apprentice.
For Sadia, the key selling point of an apprenticeship at Ealing Council is gaining a qualification without taking on any debt – as well as training on the job and getting paid.
‘I see my apprenticeship as a win-win’
Sadia, who lives in Greenford, had initially gone to Ulster University at 18 to study Computing Systems. After a year and a half, she decided that university was not the right choice for her and applied to be an apprentice at Ealing Council.
She said: “I see my apprenticeship as a win-win, as I can gain a qualification without being buried in student loan debt. It will also help give me the necessary skills, experience, and knowledge to succeed in my career.”
Upon completion, Sadia will gain a NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration, like her fellow apprentices Christian and Luca.
My experience as an apprentice
Sadia chose an apprenticeship in housing demand. Sadia really enjoys working in her team, where she felt welcomed and supported from the start.
“I find the work challenging yet interesting. Ealing is in an affordable housing crisis, and many people are struggling. What I enjoy the most about my job is being able to provide support to residents who may be struggling with rising rents or paying mortgages due to inflation. I have also developed the skills to deal with more complex cases, such as where there is a language barrier or people are unable to use a certain system.”
Next steps
Sadia would highly recommend the route to employment that she has taken. She said: “It is a great way to get on the jobs ladder. With the support of the apprenticeships team, I hope to progress into a permanent role in the housing demand team when my apprenticeship comes to an end.”
‘Why not explore what an apprenticeship can do for you?’
Councillor Louise Brett, the council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes, said: ““It’s been great to shine a spotlight on our outstanding apprentices and their experiences – why they chose an apprenticeship, how they are finding it, and what they have planned for the future. If these stories have inspired you, why not explore what an apprenticeship can do for you? Reach out to our apprenticeships team today.”
