“My apprenticeship gave me the opportunity to grow as a person; I have become more confident in myself and in the way that I work,” said Gina Maben – a former apprentice at Ealing Council who is now a full-time employee.
This week (14-18 March) is National Apprenticeships Week and the council is looking to take on another group of apprentices to work with its varied and diverse services as part of its apprenticeships scheme.
You must be aged between 16 and 23 – and you can apply from 1 April. There is plenty more information available on how to go about this on the council’s website.
Gina was placed with the mayor of Ealing’s office at first, and then with the council’s human resources (HR) team. The two-year scheme went so well that she has now been taken on by the HR department as a learning and development officer.
“My hard work paid off as my willingness to work hard was recognised and I was offered to stay on as an employee,” said Gina. “My role involves dealing with all incoming customer queries in relation to learning and development – and online courses. There are always new and exciting projects, which I love to involve myself in.
“Before I started my apprenticeship with Ealing, I was in college studying law, sociology and psychology A-levels. I wanted to go to university and study psychology, but I wasn’t passionate enough to carry this through. I wasn’t prepared to completely give up on education, though, and that’s when I decided to apply to become an apprentice at Ealing Council.
“During my time as an apprentice, I enjoyed learning new skills and getting to know all sorts of new and different people. I was given the chance to run and assist a number of events, including mayoral events. I also arranged and supported two work experience placements.
“I am more open to learning new things and like to get involved, and I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone.”
More information
- Visit the apprenticeship web pages
- Read a recent Around Ealing article
- Email apprenticeships@ealing.gov.uk
- Call 020 8825 6234
