A new jobs and skills service from Ealing Council will help businesses to find local talent.
The Ealing Borough Apprenticeship Scheme (EBAS) has been set up to help local businesses to grow by recruiting skilled, well-supported apprentices and help residents find meaningful career opportunities.
A growing demand for apprenticeships and a rise in youth unemployment prompted the council to set up EBAS. It builds on the council’s own successful apprenticeship scheme, which has seen 360 apprentices placed in Ealing Council since 2007.
EBAS reflects the council’s commitment to help secure 10,000 new jobs in the borough by 2026. It also supports both national and London-wide efforts to boost jobs and skills.
What’s in it for employers?
Depending on the level of membership, your company could benefit from:
• an analysis to identify skills gaps and look at creative ways of building your workforce
• free apprenticeship training, funded by the council’s levy transfer scheme worth thousands of pounds
• ongoing monitoring, and options for pastoral support for apprentices
• recruitment services at competitive rates
• being part of events and awards to celebrate success and build connections in the community.
EBAS is run on a membership basis, with a series of tiers offering different packages – including a free bronze membership that is quick and gives you access to our first newsletter and early updates.
Myles’s journey into live sound
One of the early apprenticeship success stories is Myles, aged 28, who began as an audio technician apprentice at Entec and has since progressed to a permanent role. Entec is a local employer that worked with the council to access apprenticeship funding and support.
After switching careers from working in animal science, Myles followed his passion for music into a Level 3 live event technician apprenticeship. His apprenticeship and current role include testing audio equipment, preparing equipment for tours, and working on-site at major events.
One of his proudest moments so far has been supporting the team at Glastonbury, where he helped set up the audio system for the ‘The Other Stage’. “It was a highlight,” he said. “I’m proud of the team I have here – we work really hard and help each other out.”
Throughout his time at Entec, Myles has been heavily involved in day-to-day operations and felt trusted to contribute meaningfully. “You can teach someone the theory and give them some skills,” he explained, “but real experience – being right at the heart of the action – is what makes the difference.”
He has also benefited from mentorship and flexible learning time. His story shows how apprenticeships can lead to long-term careers in good, well-paid jobs.
EBAS aims to support businesses with a particular focus around creating apprenticeship roles and offering to support the recruitment into those roles. The programme is working inclusively with people who often face barriers to gaining employment, like care leavers and learners with special educational needs and disabilities.
‘Apprenticeships work for everyone’
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, the council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes, said: “Two of our biggest priorities are helping residents build great careers and supporting businesses to thrive. Apprenticeships are a powerful way to do both – opening doors for learning and earning, while providing employers with skilled, motivated staff. That is why we have launched EBAS. It is here to connect people and employers, make apprenticeships easier to access, and help our local economy thrive.”
How to get involved
Businesses can visit the Good for Ealing website to explore EBAS membership, recruitment support, and levy transfer opportunities. Sign up as a Bronze member today – it is free, quick, and gives you access to the EBAS newsletter and early updates
Residents can find job vacancies and support, including apprenticeships, via the Work Ealing website.
