Around Ealing September 2018 | Page 21

JOBS AND SKILLS AN APPRENTICE COULD HELP YOUR BUSINESS: FIND OUT WHY September sees the start of the annual ‘100 in 100’ campaign run by the council’s Ealing Apprenticeship Network. Running for 100 days between September and December, the campaign aims to secure 100 pledges for new apprenticeship placements from local businesses. Employers can offer apprenticeships to new entrants or use them to grow talent from among current employees. Since the campaign launched in 2012, the council has helped businesses create more than 600 apprenticeship vacancies. Over the next four years, it intends to achieve another 750. Councillor Jasbir Anand, cabinet member for business and community services, said: “Ensuring that people earn living incomes is one of our top priorities and local businesses are key to this. We work closely with businesses to support them in hiring and training apprentices, ensuring that good employment opportunities are available to our residents.” MORE INFO Apprenticeship schemes n Call 020 8825 6234 Royal work appointment J oanna rubbed shoulders with royalty thanks to a council scheme called WEST (which stands for work, education, skills and training). It has helped hundreds of local people into jobs or training since it was set up by Ealing Council in 2015, with the support of the Mayor of London. If you are unemployed, living in the borough and more than 18 years old, WEST can provide personalised, one-to- one advice and support. Joanna Gluchowska of Ealing (pictured) was put in touch with WEST through a local Job Centre after finding employment hard to come by following a period of ill health and losing her confidence. She was helped to find a path towards a new career. “I was very down and stressed,” she explained. “This scheme made all the difference to me.” After gaining confidence with some volunteering, she eventually began to work at events as a steward and went on some training with WEST’s help. She has not looked back since and has been working at a dazzling array of events – including the royal wedding of Harry and Meghan in Windsor. Read the full story at ealingnewsextra.co.uk/ features/royal-appointment – and you can call WEST on 020 8825 9894 or email [email protected] n Email [email protected] n Visit www.ealing.gov.uk/apprenticeships Joanna Gluchowska Visit WorkWest: An online, one-stop-shop connecting you to job vacancies, training courses, apprenticeships and more. Go to www.ealingworkwest.co.uk around ealing    September 2018 21