For the fifth year running, a ‘100-in-100’ campaign run by the council’s Ealing Apprenticeship Network has been achieving pledges from local businesses to create job placements. Only a few days are left for businesses to come forward to be part of it all. And young people are needed to fill the roles being created. Could you fill one of the roles, like Ajay did last year?

The idea is to see 100 apprenticeships pledged over a 100-day period between September and December.

Now the network is looking for people interested in applying to fill the positions that are available. The placements combine a job with training and each take a minimum of a year to complete.

See the information at the bottom of this story to find out how to get in touch

Councillor Peter Mason, the council’s cabinet member for prosperity, skills, employment and transformation, said: “Ensuring people have the chance to get well-paid jobs is one of our top priorities. Since the campaign launched in 2012, more than 200 businesses have benefited from joining the network and more than 550 apprenticeship vacancies have been created because we’ve exceeded our target of 100 placements every year.

“Apprenticeships work for everyone. Local businesses can expect to receive full support around the process of hiring, employing and training. Apprentices, in turn, get unrivalled, on-the-job training and a route into a career with decent pay.”

You can see a running total of the businesses that have signed up at www.ealing.gov.uk/apprenticeships

MASALA CREATIONS

One of these businesses, Masala Creations, a catering company in Southall, has taken on apprentices through the 100-in-100 campaign in previous years and has pledged to take on more this year.

In fact, Masala is in its third year of running apprenticeships in the hospitality and business administration areas of its company.

Director Hardeep Ram said: “Having apprentices means you can mould them into roles
to suit the needs of your business, and it’s also a cost-effective way of recruiting. Now that we’re moving away from pens and paper, we find having young people in the business is really beneficial because they understand the need to be online, about social media and new technology, so this also works in our favour.

“Our apprentices are assets to our business and, as we grow, they will grow with us.”

AJAY’S STORY

Ajay Ram (pictured), 17, is an apprentice at Masala Creations, and is currently doing a level 2 apprenticeship in business administration.

In his sales role, he’s involved in a range of tasks, including setting up initial meetings with clients, preparing quotes, attending client food tastings, everything from start to finish for an event.

After finishing high school he began looking into apprenticeships.

Ajay said “I was interested in an apprenticeship because I was looking for a job. I wanted to earn money but I also wanted to keep studying at the same time. What attracted me to the role at Masala was that it seemed really interesting and different to anything I had done before.

“What I’ve enjoyed most about my apprenticeship at Masala has been working alongside the team here; and being involved in all of the preparation leading up to an event; but, most of all, I have loved seeing it all come together on the day.

“I would recommend an apprenticeship because it gives you a nice foundation and base to work from and brings you into the real world of work. You’re also working and studying at the same time so you’re getting experience, as well as continuing education. For me, I think my apprenticeship has benefited me more than being in college, would have. Not only have I gained a great deal of knowledge but I have also gained life experiences; I have learnt how to provide great customer service, how to take on constructive criticism and how to build and maintain a happy clientele.”

APPRENTICESHIPS WAITING

If you are interested in applying for one of the many apprenticeship vacancies created from the 100 in 100 campaign visit www.ealing.gov.uk/ apprenticeships for more information and a list of vacancies.

The network also offers a 10-week programme which includes personalised advice on what type of apprenticeship would be the most suitable based on your skills, interests and ability. Candidates also have the opportunity to take part in workshops, which include CV writing and interview practice.

HOW TO APPLY

For more information about vacancies and the network apprenticeship programme visit www.ealing.gov.uk/apprenticeships or you can register your interest by emailing apprenticeships@ealing.gov.uk

WANT TO OFFER AN APPRENTICESHIP?

Businesses can contact the team any time of the year – it is not just restricted to the months of the campaign. Interested? All you have to do is get in touch using the contact details on these pages.

The network offers a free service to businesses all-year-round to help set up apprenticeships and the training programme required.

MORE INFO

• Call 020 8825 6234
• Email apprenticeships@ealing.gov.uk
• Visit www.ealing.gov.uk/apprenticeships