Around Ealing Spring 2017 | Page 27

Zain ’ s Story
Not quite ready yet ?
APPRENTICESHIPS through her aunt that she decided to apply . She said : “ Working and getting a qualification while being able to progress into a career really appealed to me .”
Two years later Jessica is now in with a chance of gaining a permanent job in the team she is working with . She said : “ I ’ m always learning different skills and applying what I ’ ve been learning in my coursework .
“ I ’ ve got loads of experience now , and an apprenticeship really is a great opportunity because it ’ s not just about university qualifications out there now – a degree can ’ t offer you the job experience an apprenticeship can .”

Zain ’ s Story

Zain Sanik , 20 , is a repairs surveyor working with the council ’ s housing repairs team , which fixes and maintains council-owned properties . He is half-way through his apprenticeship working towards a level 3 NVQ in building surveying .
He said : “ I really enjoy the mixture of going out , being on site and in the office . During the day I go out and do inspections , and if there are any repairs which need to be made to the property I then raise it with the contractor .”
When he was finishing his A-levels , Zain was contemplating whether

Not quite ready yet ?

If you feel like you are not quite ready for an apprenticeship or job , and want some support to get there , then the Pathways programme may be for you .
As a Pathways trainee you would get the practical experience , guidance and training needed to help you enter employment . To apply you need to be aged between 16-24 and willing to commit to five days per week over a 20-week programme . One trainee to benefit from Pathways was Steven Tiller , who is now an apprentice working for the council ’ s Youth and Connexions
to go to university or begin an apprenticeship . He said : “ In the end I chose to go with an apprenticeship because it would mean I was able to gain experience in the workplace in something I wanted to do as well as work towards a qualification .”
INTERESTED ? HERE IS HOW TO APPLY The next round of service . “ Pathways gave me confidence and the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone ,” said Steven . “ The placement let me experience a real work environment . The training helped me gain the skills and qualification to go on to an apprenticeship .” The programme includes : n A paid work placement for two days a week n Accredited training in employability , English and maths n Personal development including mentoring , CV-writing and interview practice n Social action projects , trips and team work activities .
INTERESTED ? For more information , or to apply , email beinspired @ ealing . gov . uk or visit www . youngealing . co . uk / connexions / ealing-projects
vacancies at the council will be advertised in April . To find out about current vacancies , eligibility criteria and to apply for an apprenticeship , visit www . ealing . gov . uk / apprenticeships
KEY DATES n Opening date for applications : 1 April n Closing date for applications : 30 April n Screening workshops : Tuesday , 17 May and Thursday , 19 May n Interviews : From Monday , 30 May n Apprenticeships start from September 2017
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