Two new council schemes to increase the number of apprentices in Croydon were launched today (Tuesday) at an event attended by more than 300 students, employers and residents.
Organised by the council’s job brokerage service Croydon Works in partnership with Croydon College, Chooseday Tuesday gave those in attendance the opportunity to find out more about apprenticeships and the possibilities they offer.
At the event, which celebrated National Apprenticeship Week, Croydon Council announced the 100 in 100 campaign – which aims to create 100 apprenticeships across the borough in 100 working days – starting in August and an academy where employers will receive easy access to high-quality training and support.
100 in 100 will give Croydon employers the opportunity to increase productivity and reduce training and recruitment costs – by employing and developing skilled and motivated local apprentices. The council, who will be taking the lead by creating 20 new apprenticeships, is now seeking employers across the borough to pledge apprenticeship placements to the campaign.
At the event Croydon’s Apprenticeship Academy, a virtual partnership of providers, businesses and the council was announced. This academy will offer free recruitment and easy access to a high-quality training and support network. As part of this academy, the council will cover 100% of the apprenticeship training costs for small businesses.
During the day there were also opportunities for students from year 10 and above to interact with employers and discuss potential career paths, with interactive activities including computer coding and plumbing, while award-winning chef Malcolm John gave a careers talk for those in attendance. Businesses including Axis, FM Conway, Network Rail, HMRC, London Fire Brigade and Surrey Police also attended.
“Chooseday Tuesday has been fantastic. We’ve had so much interest from all members of the community – from those in education to business owners to members of the public interested in trying something new.
“We’re keen to see more apprentices employed in Croydon and the two announcements we’ve made today are extremely important as they will help residents build their own careers. 100 in 100 will enable us to provide more opportunities for our residents to learn valuable skills and launch a new career, while Croydon’s Apprenticeship Academy will make it even easier for our businesses and employers to hire and train new employees.”
Councillor Manju Shahul-Hameed, cabinet member for economy and jobs
Danielle Barker, who has been an apprentice in the council’s children, families and education department since November 2017, said: “I enjoy being an apprentice thoroughly. The best thing about it is meeting the different people and different apprentices. I think if people are unsure about their future they should think about an apprenticeship, to experience the different things and departments. I would recommend it 100%.”
Croydon Council’s apprenticeship programme has been recognised nationally, winning at both the enei (Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion) Awards and Personnel Today Awards last year. Our apprentices, are the face of the council’s Choose Your Future campaign, which supports young people to make positive choices and give them access to opportunities.
