Lewisham Council smashes target of 100 apprenticeships in 100 days

As we start the final week of the campaign the council has exceeded this target by advertising 167 apprenticeship vacancies with further opportunities expected this week.

The Mayor’s Apprenticeship Service was established following the last recession to support residents into apprenticeships. These offer people the opportunity to earn while they learn, to develop their skills, and to build a career.

The economic impact of COVID-19 has hit London hard. The number of people claiming unemployment related benefits has more than doubled (increasing by 156%) since March, with the number of young people on benefits nearly trebling (increase of 185%). Nationally, the number of apprenticeship starts has declined by nearly half (46%), as a result of the pandemic.

Lewisham Council committed to the 100 in 100 campaign in order to ensure residents can still access high quality training and employment opportunities during the pandemic.

By taking action to help combat this, the council has worked with local businesses Lewisham Homes and Phoenix Community Housing to offer opportunities to Lewisham residents. The new opportunities include roles in public health, retail, publishing, engineering, marketing and project management.

The Council will continue to support employers to take on apprentices through the Mayor’s Apprenticeship Programme. It has a target of supporting 250 local residents into apprenticeships by 2022.

Employers who take on a new apprentice before the end of March can benefit from a hiring incentive of up to £2,000. Lewisham Council is also supporting local businesses through access to its apprenticeship levy funds, and support with recruitment.

Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham, said:

“We are delighted to have beaten the 100 apprenticeships milestone at a time when apprenticeship recruitment is declining nationally, and to be leading the way when it comes to apprentices. The Mayor’s Apprenticeship Programme since it was started has recruited almost 600 apprentices which has provided opportunities to local people to earn the London Living Wage whilst they learn, and contribute to our local community.

“We are grateful that so many partner organisations, businesses, and council services have come forward to recruit apprenticeships.”

Cllr Joe Dromey, Cabinet Member for Culture, Jobs and Skills said:

“Apprenticeships will be crucial to our economic recovery from the pandemic. Apprentices bring energy, enthusiasm and new ideas to businesses.

“We want more local employers to provide apprenticeship opportunities. Those that do can benefit from a hiring bonus of up to £2,000, and support from the council including with training costs and recruitment.

“We are committed to supporting our community and local businesses through these challenging times.”

Daniel Johnson and Genesis Adeleye are Public Health Apprentices who started in December.

Daniel said:

“I am excited to be working in Public Health and on BAME Health Inequalities in particular which is something I have a passion for and where I want to make a difference. People have been welcoming, supportive and despite working from home I feel connected to the wider team.”

Genesis said:

“I have studied public health and it is great to be part of it for real during such an important time. I find it fulfilling to be part of an organisation that helps improves people’s lives. Everyone has been so kind and taken the time to meet with us.”

Amber McCoy, is a Housing Apprentice for Pinnacle working in customer services. She said:

“I come from a customer service background and am a social housing tenant with an interest in what goes on behind the scenes. After taking a career break for childcare reasons this seemed the perfect opportunity. I’m office based so although it is about half full I’ve met my colleagues and am enjoying supporting our tenants with resolving their housing issues.”

The council encourages Lewisham residents aged 16+ who might be interested in an apprenticeship to take a look at our current wide range of apprenticeship opportunities here.

Business can continue to access a wide range of support to recruit apprenticeships and can contact the team at apprenticeships@lewisham.gov.uk.