APPRENTICESHIPS
Musawar Khan
This way for
a career
Apprenticeships are becoming an
increasingly popular route to enter
the world of work, earning while you
learn. And there are more than 100
opportunities available right now,
reports Jordan Smith.
E
aling Council offers two
apprenticeship schemes: One
working within the council
itself, and one working at
local businesses.
The next round of vacancies at the
council will be advertised in April, so
you can start to find out more now. And
there are 129 vacancies waiting right
away with local businesses, thanks to the
council’s Ealing Apprenticeship Network
‘I DEFINITELY MADE THE RIGHT
DECISION’
Musawar Khan, 19 began his
apprenticeship at Ealing Council over
a year ago, working at the Copley
Close estate regeneration project.
Each council apprentice works within
a council team as well as studying for
vocational qualifications. It involves
a one-year training agreement with
the option of a second year, and an
allowance starting from £210 per week.
“An apprenticeship appealed to me
because I wanted to gain experience
early on,” said Musawar. “I wasn’t too
keen on going to university and having
to pay student debt in the long term.
With an apprenticeship you get your
qualification and a salary alongside all
the other benefits that come with it. I
definitely made the right decision. It’s
a great opportunity to get your foot in
the door early on.”
In September Musawar was awarded
2017 Ealing apprentice of the year
‘THE PERFECT CHOICE FOR ME’
Ellis Donaldson, 18, started an
apprenticeship at the council in its
safer communities team last year.
She said: “My apprenticeship has
allowed me to gain experience across
a wide range of activities. I’ve really
enjoyed the variety, especially when
every day is different.
Copley estate regeneration site
14
around ealing February 2018
at the council’s annual awards. He is
working towards a level 3 qualification
and would then like to continue his
career in the housing sector.
He added: “I’ve learnt a lot of things
on the job and I’ve got to network
with a lot of interesting people from
different backgrounds, all while
gaining new skills and getting paid.
So I think apprenticeships are not just
good for the professional aspects but
also from a social perspective. It’s a
really good scheme.”