Celebrations held for Islington Council apprentices

The hard work and achievements of more than 70 Islington Council apprentices have been recognised in a special celebration.

Since the council launched its apprenticeship scheme in 2009, 73 residents have taken part, earning valuable skills, experience and

in many cases, qualifications too. A further 34 apprentices will have been

recruited by the end of this year.

On Wednesday, September 19, a celebration event was

held in Islington's Assembly Hall to congratulate the council's apprentices and

their managers. Certificates were presented by the Mayor of Islington, Cllr

Jilani Chowdhury, the leader of Islington Council, Cllr Catherine West, and

Islington Council's chief executive, Lesley Seary, in recognition of the

apprentices' achievements and the contributions they have made to the council.

The event also provided an opportunity to welcome

the newest apprentice recruits.

Islington Council's executive member for children

and families, Cllr Richard Watts, said: "The job market is incredibly tough at the moment,

which is why we're doing all we can to help our residents to get a foot on the

career ladder.

"Congratulations to all our apprentices who have

completed their placements. It's been great to hear how positive they all are

about their experiences and how much they feel they have gained through the

scheme - from confidence and practical skills, right through to qualifications.

I know managers across the council are looking forward to welcoming the next

round of apprentices into their teams."

Current council apprentices are now being recruited

to act as ambassadors for the scheme and will be involved in promoting the

apprenticeships to local unemployed young people.

Rukshana Akther, 24, completed her

apprenticeship within the council's children's services team earlier this year.

She has since been employed as a cash officer at James Selby department store in

Holloway Road.

Rukshana said: "The biggest thing I gained from my apprenticeship

was self-confidence. All my colleagues were really helpful and my manager took

the time to make sure I understood all my tasks and encourage me. I'd really

recommend the council apprenticeship to others. I built up so many skills and

now I've been able to start my career!"

Islington Council has been shortlisted for two

London Councils London Borough Apprenticeship Awards – one for Best Manager and

one for Best Work with Supply Chains.

The Best Manager nominee, Bhupesh Thapa

works as a parks manager for Islington Council. He was nominated for the award

by his former apprentice, Nick Bowry, who felt that Bhupesh played a major part

in helping him to gain the skills and confidence that later led to him being

recruited as a permanent employee at the council.

The business employment support team are

short-listed for their work with local businesses, encouraging and helping them

to offer apprenticeships to residents. The team are currently working with 18

Islington employers who have advertised apprenticeships.

Council apprentices receive regular support from a

manager, along with training and the opportunity to gain an NVQ qualification.

Anyone interested in a council apprenticeship can keep an eye on opportunities

coming up clicking here.