Almost 800 Lewisham residents have applied for 31 apprenticeship positions created in the borough as part of Mayor Sir Steve Bullock’s action plan to support the community through the economic downturn.
The apprenticeships will start from September 2009 and will be in a wide range of areas including youth work, community arts management, emergency planning, communications, human resources and finance.
The apprenticeships are a mixture of on and off the job training. On the job, apprentices will gain key transferable skills including working in a team, communication and using new technology. Off the job, they will spend time working towards a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at Level 2 or 3.
As well as at Lewisham Council, apprenticeship roles have been created in the following partner organisations:
- The Albany, Deptford
- The Stephen Lawrence Trust
- The Midi Music Company
- The Institute of Music Technology
- Wide Horizons.
The scheme has been developed as part of the Lewisham Mayor’s 10-point action plan of short-term measures to support Lewisham’s community through the economic downturn.
Sir Steve said: “I believe in Lewisham's community and I am determined that during this recession we keep faith with them. These apprenticeships are just one of the ways we can do that and I hope that by working together with our local partners, we will be able to create many more opportunities.”
The apprenticeships last for a year, with an option for a second year, subject to satisfactory performance. The apprentices will be supported by an experienced manager and a Lewisham College tutor. They will receive an annual salary of £14,350 and £500 bonus on completion of the first year.
Once an apprentice has completed a traineeship, they’ll be in a strong position to move into a permanent job.
An open day was held at Lewisham Town Hall on Monday 8 June 2009, giving residents an opportunity to speak to representatives from the Council and Lewisham College to find out more about applying for an apprenticeship role.