Around Ealing Autumn 2015 | Page 23

APPRENTICESHIPS ‘I’m set up for a career’ T he council also has apprentices attached to its own teams. Sharleen WillisHodgins has had a varied and exciting start to her career thanks to the scheme, from covert surveillance to house raids. Could you follow in her footsteps? Now in its ninth year, the programme has seen almost 200 young people recruited into apprenticeships at the council. Sharleen joined the scheme in 2010 and has become the first to graduate to Level 4 of the vocational y illegal outhouses An inspection raid on potentiall qualifications on offer – the equivalent of a foundation degree. The programme is open to people aged 16-24 years old and offers apprentices a one-year training agreement with an optional second year and an allowance starting from £160 per week. Candidates must be highly motivated and enthusiastic and willing to learn new skills. Sharleen heard about the programme through family and decided it was the right fit for her. Four years, five qualifications and an Apprentice of the Year award later, she has a solid foot in the career door and has not looked back. She started with Trading Standards, battling against businesses selling illegal, counterfeit or age-restricted products. She is now employed fulltime as an enforcement support officer – which can involve inspections on housing and licensing matters. Sharleen encourages those thinking about taking up an apprenticeship to go for it: “All the hard work has paid off more than I could have ever imagined. The networking opportunities, support and training set you up for your future career.” APPRENTICESHIPS AT THE COUNCIL: HOW TO APPLY Current vacancies, eligibility criteria, and application forms are available at www.ealing.gov.uk/apprenticeships KEY DATES ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Opening date for applications: 1 September 2015 Closing date for applications: 30 September 2015 Screening workshops: 20 and 22 October 2015 Interviews: From 2 November 2015 Apprenticeships start from January 2016 MORE INFO ■ Call 020 8825 6234 ■ Email apprenticeships@ ealing.gov.uk ■ Visit www.ealing.gov.uk/ apprenticeships ■ Twitter #Ealing100in100 Some of last year’s graduates from the council’s apprenticeship scheme around ealing Autumn 2015 23