Southwark Council launches new campaign to create thousands of new apprenticeships for National Apprenticeship Week
4 March 2019
From accounting to bricklaying, horticultural to customer service, Southwark Council has launched its new campaign to create 2,500 new apprenticeship schemes across the borough to help residents kick-start their careers.
In 2014 the council pledged to create 2,000 quality new apprenticeships – putting it ahead of most other local authorities. After reaching this target, the council has renewed its investment and committed to creating a further 2,500 apprenticeships by May 2022.
As part of this promise, Southwark Council has officially launched its new apprenticeship campaign during National Apprenticeship Week (Monday 4 March to Friday 8 March).
The campaign is aiming to show that there is no such thing as a typical apprentice. Apprentices can come from all backgrounds, experience and varying educational levels – and most importantly can be any age.
Cllr Kieron Williams, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Skills and Innovation, said: “Apprenticeships offer a fantastic opportunity to work in a wide range of fields and are a great way to kick-start your career or take the next step up the ladder.
“But there is still an impression among some job seekers that apprenticeships are for younger people, straight out of school or college, when in fact they can appeal to all age ranges.
“They are a great way to earn while you are learning, especially here in Southwark where we are working to ensure all apprenticeships earn at least the London Living Wage.
“You are gaining practical work experience and getting a qualification at the same time, with Higher Level Qualifications, up to Level 7, being the equivalent of a post-graduate certificate.”
Clare Gobel, aged 53, is an apprentice Customer Support Officer at Southwark Council.
She said: “Since having children, and taking a break from employment, I was very nervous about returning to work and finding something that I enjoyed doing.
“At first, I always considered apprenticeships to be for younger people – those who had just finished school or college. However, when I started to browse for vacancies online I quickly learned that anyone could apply.
“Apprenticeships are a great opportunity to not only study but gain real life, on the job experience at the same time. Once I complete my apprenticeship, I will have achieved a Level 3 qualification in Housing and I am pleased to say that I have already secured a permanent, full time position!”
If you want to learn more about apprenticeships in Southwark visit www.southwark.gov.uk/apprenticeships
Page last updated: 04 March 2019
