Celebrating the positive impact of Lewisham’s apprentices

Across the UK, apprenticeships help build careers, unlock skill development and strengthen local economies. Locally, apprenticeships have had a significant impact on Lewisham, providing practical opportunities for Lewisham to earn while they learn. 

We continue to use our influence as a major local employer to create sustainable jobs, promote the London Living Wage and create apprenticeships and training opportunities within the borough. Currently, we have 170 active learners across all three of our apprenticeship streams and there have been 222 completed apprenticeships recorded through the Digital Apprenticeships Service, since 2017.  

Our Mayor’s Apprenticeship Programme is now 16 years old and has supported 1261 residents explore employment pathways. Some of the Apprentices we have recruited to our council include: Data Analyst, Business Administration, Internal Audit, Housing Management and Horticulture. 

The Council recognises the importance of fair pay and access to good local jobs and as part of this is a proud Living Wage Employer. This means all the council’s apprentices earn the London Living Wage while gaining hands-on experience and working towards a qualification.  

Apprenticeships are also used by existing council staff to upskill, allowing them to progress to more senior roles.  In response to the UK's shortage of HGV drivers, Lewisham Council proactively supported existing staff by enrolling them in the Level 2 Urban Driver apprenticeship.

In December 2024, the Council adopted our new Inclusive Economy Lewisham strategy, which sets our vision for growing a unique, resilient and sustainable local economy that puts young people, fair employment, just labour markets, and future skills at the heart of the vision.  

This week, there are apprenticeship events happening across the borough. Elevate 100 the Council’s youth and jobs skill hubs in Downham is hosting an  Apprenticeship Week Job Club and information session on Wednesday 11 February. 

Get Council support to hire an apprentice

Did you know the Council can support you to find local talent, as well as providing funding to cover training costs?

Find out more by emailing apprenticeships@lewisham.gov.uk.

Councillor Ese Erheriene, Lewisham Council’s Cabinet Member for Business, Jobs and Skills, said:

“Lewisham’s apprentices are making a real difference to our borough. If you are a local employer looking to nurture new talent, we'd love to work with you to back local talent. Together, we can create more opportunities for local people and strengthen Lewisham’s economy.”