“Apprentices get real work, training to get the skills companies really want, and a guaranteed salary. And employers are able to mould passionate talent to accommodate their needs with fresh ideas.”

That is the view of Councillor Jasbir Anand, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for business and community services, as National Apprenticeship Week approaches.

‘Fire it Up’ is the theme of the national campaign, which runs from Monday, 3 February until Sunday, 9 February. The council’s apprenticeship team will be touring the borough during the week to celebrate apprenticeships and hopes to spark interest in the advantages they can bring.

Councillor Anand added: “The traditional workforce is changing, and we are all benefiting from the opportunities that apprenticeships provide.”

What is happening

The apprenticeship team will be at the following locations:

• Monday, 3 February, 10.30am-12noon: Everyone Active Acton
• Tuesday, 4 February, 1.30-3pm: Southall Town Hall
• Wednesday, 5 February, 10.30am-12noon: Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre
• Thursday, 6 February, 1.30-3pm: Greenford Broadway 1.30-3pm
• Friday, 7 February, 10.30am-12noon: Northolt Leisure Centre.

Apprenticeship open-evening

Job-seekers, school leavers and their parents, and those looking for a career change; are invited to attend a free open evening on Wednesday, 5 February between 5-7.30pm at Ealing Town Hall. They will be able to learn more about apprenticeships, find out about current vacancies and have an opportunity to speak with apprentices and members from across the council’s employment, learning and skills teams.

Jasmeet Burgee, a former apprentice with the council and its 2019 apprentice of the year, said: “An apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity to develop your very own workplace identity. My apprenticeship allowed me to push my own boundaries and learn new things.”

Business event

Businesses are invited to join the council’s Ealing Apprenticeship Network on Tuesday, 4 February between 11am-1pm at Southall Manor House. Local employers will find out about the network’s new employer membership initiative and the benefits of apprenticeships for businesses. There will also be an opportunity to find out more about the support available to recruit apprentices and to meet other local business people.

The open evening and business events are both free to attend but advance registration is required via the following links: https://apprenticeshipemployersevent.eventbrite.co.uk and https://ecapprenticeship-open-evening.eventbrite.co.uk

More information

Interested in finding out more about apprenticeships locally? Go along to one of the events above; or you can call 020 8825 6234, email apprenticehsips@ealing.gov.uk or visit www.ealingworkwest.gov.uk/apprenticeships

You can also read the stories of apprentices and businesses in their own words explaining how they have benefited from apprenticeships – visit our Jobs and Skills section and browse.