A group of enthusiastic Ealing Council apprentices teamed up to take part in a national apprenticeship challenge and collectively raised more £1,000 for charity.

Each year, during National Apprenticeship Week, the council’s apprentices are set a challenge to ‘give back’ to the local community and this year they decided to raise awareness, as well as funds, for mental health charity Mind.

Cupcakes and samosas were sold and a games night at the town hall organised by the apprentices was attended by more than 60 guests, including a speaker from the Mind Ealing branch of the charity.

Although the apprentices have thus far raised an impressive total of more than £1,400, if you would still like to donate to help them raise more for Mind, you can do so by visiting: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Ealing-Apprentices

Every year, one in four of people will experience a mental health problem.

Want to become an apprentice?

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.

Anyone living in Ealing for the past three years, over 16 years of age and not in full-time education can apply for an apprenticeship, whether you are just leaving school, have been working for years, or are seeking to start a new career; there is no upper age limit. Applications are open from April 1 and there is plenty more information available on the council’s website.

Businesses can still sign up to recruit an apprentice, and the council’s apprenticeship team will help you to get set up and support you along the way, free of charge.

The quiz night was supported by local businesses Maggie’s (Ealing), VPS, MountJoy, NiBlock Ltd and T-Brown.