Hackney Council celebrates National Apprenticeship Week 2020
Hackney Council celebrated National Apprenticeship Week with an award and graduation ceremony to acknowledge the contribution of apprentices, managers and businesses that have made the programme the success it is today.
National Apprenticeship Week, which ran from 3 to 7 February 2020, is not only an opportunity to highlight the fantastic work that apprentices do but also a chance to show the benefit for individuals, businesses and the local economy.
Hackney Council is playing a leading role in providing apprenticeships for residents, currently employing around 114 apprentices across a range of service areas including, customer services, social care, and housing.
The council also has 20 apprentices as part of the London Office of Technology and Innovation programme, the highest of any London borough.
I am proud of the council’s multi-award-winning apprenticeship scheme, and National Apprenticeship Week is the perfect opportunity to showcase the achievements of apprentices, managers and businesses.
Hackney’s apprenticeship programme has been a key factor in increasing the number of Hackney residents applying to work for the council.
I welcome the support the council is giving to local businesses so they too can offer quality apprenticeship opportunities so they gain the same benefits and, in the process, help Hackney residents develop the skills and experience employers are looking for.
The Council is also committed to helping local businesses to create high-quality apprenticeships, and to recruit candidates through the Hackney Apprenticeship Network, which was launched during last year's National Apprenticeship Week.
Zac Lloyd, from St John at Hackney, who are a member of the Hackney Apprenticeship Network, employing their first apprentice in 2019, said: “The Hackney Apprenticeship Network is a brilliant initiative, which has helped us find training providers, given us local candidates and ultimately allowed us to develop our own apprenticeship programme.”
Over 30 employers have so far signed up to join the network. Some of those businesses, and businesses interested in joining the network, attended last week’s award ceremony, which was held at Hackney Town Hall and kindly sponsored by Hawk Training and UCAN.
Hackney Council also supports employers to fund apprenticeship training and to date have committed over £100,000 in apprenticeship levy funding.
Hackney Apprenticeships are open to anyone who lives in Hackney, went to a Hackney school or college or if you are receiving or have received Hackney leaving care services.The deadline for current apprenticeship vacancies is Sunday 1 March, apply here: hackneyworks.hackney.gov.uk/opportunities
A full list of winners:
Hackney Apprenticeship Network Employer of the Year: Morgan Sindall
Assessor of the Year: Della King - UCAN
Manager of the Year: Susan McFarland-Lyons
Apprentice Rising Star Award: Sam Clare
Apprentice Recognition Award: Bryce Bacon
Apprentice Champion Award: Cleo Lewis
Special Recognition: Bulent Mustafa
To find out more and apply for Hackney Apprentices visit: hackneyworks.hackney.gov.uk/apprenticeships
To learn more about the Hackney Apprentice Network contact: apprenticeships@hackney.gov.uk.
A special thank you to Hawk Training and UCAN for sponsoring the event.