100 in 100 campaign hits 50 in 50

An innovative Croydon campaign to help 100 residents into a wide range of apprenticeships in 100 days hits 50 at the halfway mark (today, 11 October) with more than 50 further vacancies already pledged.

The apprentices, who are all from Croydon, have taken up roles with local, national and international employers located within the borough, ranging from plumbing and carpentry to broadcast production technicians, as part of the 100 in 100 campaign. More than 100 positions have been pledged by employers, through the Croydon Apprenticeship Academy, a virtual partnership made up of Croydon Council, businesses and training providers.

The campaign runs until 20 December, so there is still plenty of time for residents to start a new career with an apprenticeship, with positions for those educated to GCSE-level, degree-level and everything in between. There’s still time for employers to sign up too.

Apprenticeships are open to all ages and offer a practical approach to starting a career, and the opportunity to get valuable work experience while being in paid employment. There are also benefits for employers, as they can increase productivity, reduce training costs and see their business grow by hiring local apprentices through the academy, with the council covering up to 100% of training costs for small businesses.

A number of local training providers including the council’s own Croydon Adult Learning and Training (CALAT) are delivering apprenticeship training, supported by the recruitment expertise of the council’s job brokerage service, Croydon Works to ensure the needs of businesses and residents are catered for.

For businesses and interested residents looking to sign up, visit www.croydon.gov.uk/100in100 or email 100in100@croydon.gov.uk

Faith Smith, 16, and Ana Baeta, 18, both joined Croydon Digital Service this week as apprentices, and will be studying junior content production at Croydon College as part of their apprenticeship.

Reflecting on her first week Faith said: “It’s been really good. I was nervous about it but everyone has been really nice and it’s a really nice environment.

“I always knew I wanted to be in the tech sector. I could go to sixth form and university and rack up debt or I could already be working and be more likely to get a job.”

Ana added: “I started sixth form studying digital media, which started my interest in tech and editing. I think an apprenticeship was best for me because I didn’t want to go to university.”

Looking back on her first week, she said: “Everyone’s been kind and very supportive.”

 

“It’s really exciting to see both Croydon residents and employers are getting behind this brilliant campaign.

“I’m really proud when I meet the apprentices and hear some of the fantastic stories about how their lives are changing. We want as many employers and residents as possible to benefit and would encourage everyone to join the campaign!”

Councillor Manju Shahul-Hameed, cabinet member for economy and jobs

2019-10-11T13:23:23+01:00 October 11th, 2019|Recent news|