“You get a practical feel of the job. It’s not like you’re staying in a classroom,” said Sam Udookpoh, who works as an apprentice scaffolder.
Sam currently works on a construction site in Northolt, helping to build 92 new genuinely affordable homes to let for Ealing Council.
Due to be complete in spring 2026, this project is contributing to Ealing Council’s target to provide thousands more genuinely affordable homes. While they will offer local families much-needed security and stability, the wider community also benefits from the jobs in construction that the development provides.
‘Learn on the job’
Sam has lived in the borough for almost 17 years and has worked locally before he started his apprenticeship. Sam came across the apprenticeship opportunity, with home-building company Hill, through a friend who works in the industry. Sam joined the company in November.
He said: “I chose this apprenticeship as it was a sure way of finding work. With an apprenticeship you are given the opportunity to learn quickly from others and on the job. I have learned how to work well with people, respect different views, and how to handle tools. I enjoy working with others as part of a team. I also like that I get to work outdoors in the fresh air.”
Sam went on to talk about his goals for the future and why he thinks an apprenticeship is a great employment pathway.
“I like having a project in mind and working with others to meet goals and targets, contributing to the success of a project,” he added. “In the future I hope to be a full-time scaffolder, gain new skills and more experiences, and if possible, try different roles in the field.
“I would recommend an apprenticeship to others as its hands-on, so you get better as you learn. You pick up skills quicker because you can see the work happening and you can contribute to the finished product.”
‘Opportunities for residents’
When a contractor or developer enters a bid to the council, to be considered for the contract to work on a project, they are required to demonstrate how they will help boost local employment for the scheme they are bidding for. They can do this by offering apprenticeships, graduate placements or work experience. And, where possible, they are encouraged to use local tradespeople and companies. If their bid is successful, this will be part of the contract with Ealing Council.
Councillor Shital Manro, the council’s cabinet member for good growth and new homes said: “The high quality, energy efficient new homes being built by Sam and his colleagues at Northolt Grange will provide desperately needed new homes for some of the 8,000 local families on the waiting list for a council home. We insert clauses in all of our housing development contracts to ensure the developers we work with employ apprentices and deliver opportunities for residents to get jobs. I’m pleased that this development will not only benefit its new tenants for years to come, but also help local people join the workforce and grow their careers.”
A route into employment
There are currently multiple employers across the borough with apprenticeship vacancies. The council is committed to securing 10,000 new jobs and offering access to 2,000 diverse apprenticeship vacancies, supporting more alternative routes into good, well-paid work for residents.
Apprenticeships give people an entry way into a career, and are great for those who prefer a ‘hands on’ experience of learning. They offer the opportunity to gain practical work experience, achieve valuable professional skills, a qualification, and get paid all at the same time.
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, the council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes said: “Hearing from Sam goes to show how valuable apprenticeships can be, giving individuals the chance to develop their skill set by learning on the job, which reflects commitments set out in the council plan and our jobs and skills strategy. Apprenticeships also benefit businesses by providing a practical way to grow talent and develop an experienced and motivated workforce. Find out about the support available to businesses, and how you can develop your own programme by visiting the Work Ealing website.”
Find out more
Email apprenticeships@ealing.gov.uk to find out more about becoming an apprentice in the borough, or search apprenticeship vacancies generated through Ealing Council on the Work Ealing website.
If you are interested in a career in construction, contact workealing@ealing.gov.uk to learn about opportunities, new vacancies, programmes, and get general support.
If you need help with finding the next step in your career, visit the West London Skills and Work Finder website for local training courses, careers events, and other available support to get into work.
