Around Ealing February/March 2020 | Page 22

APPRENTICESHIPS  Photography apprentice Selin with manager Shahminder Learning while  building a career “It is a great way to start your career in your desired workplace. I’m gaining invaluable experience and will get a qualification,” an apprentice called Selin told us. Apprenticeships offer a real job with hands-on experience, a salary and the opportunity to train while you work, reports Lucy Martinez. S elin Gurung is an apprentice at Surindera Studios in Southall, a photography and videography business. He said: “I did a bit of research into apprenticeships before applying for one and saw other people’s stories of how it had helped them, and I thought it looked like the perfect fit for me. “The role has been very hands- on and very varied; and it is a good alternative to university.” Apprentices earn while they learn and do not pay a penny for their 22 around ealing    February/March 2020 training, which means that, unlike university students, they have no debts to repay when they finish their course. Apprenticeship roles are available at Ealing Council and across the borough. Anyone living in the borough, over 16 years of age and not in full-time education can apply. ‘I WASN’T SURE WHERE TO BEGIN’ Ealing-based construction company Adams Renovations has taken on two business administration apprentices, Yunus Cengiz and Tia Alexander. Tia found her placement via the council’s Ealing Apprenticeship Network and said: “I wasn’t sure where to begin, so I contacted the council to get advice. Ealing Apprenticeship Network helped me to write my CV and prepared me for interviews. After two weeks in the programme I was offered a role here.”