Hackney employers can help apprentices of today become leaders of tomorrow
Employers in Hackney are being encouraged to sign up to a network championing the value of local apprenticeships.
On Friday the Council hosted an online webinar for employers interested in creating opportunities through the Hackney Apprenticeship Network. The Network aims to build on the Council’s own award-winning apprenticeship programme.
The virtual event, chaired by Hackney Apprenticeship Network’s new manager Sarah-Jane Marcello, saw employers, apprentices and Council leaders coming together to celebrate apprenticeships in the borough.
“When I was elected Mayor in 2016, I pledged that the Council would lead by example by creating quality apprenticeships. I am incredibly proud that we have delivered on this.
“We have employed nearly 300 Hackney residents and school leavers as apprentices in areas like Finance, Digital, Social Care, and Youth Work in apprenticeships from entry to degree level, with over two thirds of our apprentices staying with the Council.
“The relaunched Hackney Apprenticeship Network represents the crucial next stage of this journey and a practical example of how we are working with local businesses to rebuild a fairer Hackney.”
The Network supports employers to create, manage, and celebrate apprenticeships. It’s free to join, with members able to access a pool of local candidates, as well as levy funding to pay for apprenticeship training and support to navigate the world of apprenticeship qualifications and training providers.
Employers will receive £3,000 for new apprentices of any age who join their organisation from 1 April 2021 to 30 September 2021.
“We want to work with employers to share best practice, and create more employment and training opportunities for local people in the borough at a time when this has never been more needed.
“Our mission is to demystify apprenticeships and make it as easy as possible for employers to create high-quality opportunities, bringing real benefits to organisations in the same way apprenticeships have benefited us as a Council.
“Both the Mayor and I are passionate about creating opportunities which allow residents from all backgrounds to benefit from economic growth in the borough. We want to help local employers tap into the incredible and diverse talent pool on our doorstep.”
Aaron Myall, who spoke alongside the Mayor and Cllr Williams at the virtual event, is a management apprentice at the Council.
“One of the best things about doing an apprenticeship is that you get to earn while you learn,” he said. “I have never been a fan of learning what to do from a textbook, by doing an apprenticeship I get the opportunity to learn first hand what it takes to fulfill my role.
“Being an apprentice at Hackney Council is a very rewarding position to be in, having been at the Council for just under a year, I can see how much time, energy and effort goes into helping the apprentices of today become the leaders of tomorrow. This allows you to build confidence in taking on new roles and not to be afraid to challenge yourself as you know you will be supported.”
Organisations joining the Hackney Apprenticeship Network gain access to a range of support including:
- Access to our pool of screened local candidates. We work with all Hackney schools, and engage with over 1,000 Hackney residents interested in apprenticeships each year
- Support to navigate the apprenticeship funding system
- The opportunity to apply to receive funding from the Council for apprenticeship training costs
- Support to identify suitable training organisations from our approved providers
- Support to establish apprenticeships: creating job descriptions, contracts, and identifying the right qualification
- Support to provide pastoral support and career development activities for apprentices
- Hackney Apprenticeship Network kitemark accreditation, recognising your commitment to high-quality apprenticeships
- Access to shadowing, secondment, and progression opportunities for your apprentices with other employers.
Employers keen to join the Hackney Apprenticeship Network can do so by visiting: investinhackney.org/han.