Around Ealing Winter 2021 | Page 14

GOOD JOBS
Meet Mah-jabeen and Sophie . They have both changed their careers – and their lives – and are now award-winning apprentices . They are among hundreds of local people who have benefited from apprenticeships arranged by the council and its partners .

2021

Apprentice of the Year

You could do it too

Ealing Council recently celebrated the milestone of 750 local apprenticeships since 2018 – in roles ranging from education and childcare , to construction and engineering . There are varying levels of apprenticeships , from intermediate to degree level .

‘ I ’ VE FINALLY FOUND SOMETHING I ENJOY ’ Planning apprentice Sophie Hennessy was crowned as the council ’ s 2021 Apprentice of the Year after working in the planning department and studying to become a level 3 town planning technical support officer . She had previously been working in a different industry where she found the job unfulfilling and stressful . Everything changed when she spotted information about the apprenticeships at the council and decided to apply .
“ I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship ,” Sophie said . “ You don ’ t have to be 16-18 to do it . I ’ m 25 now and it shows that if you want a different career path , you can do it if you truly want to . You don ’ t have to be pre-qualified . When I was in my last job , I was aware that , to really understand and comprehend a new job role and its industry , I would need to learn from the beginning – and the apprenticeship was an opportunity to do that , while earning money at the same time .
“ Working for a council , and especially within the planning department , allowed me to learn about the local community and appreciate its surroundings . And it was great becoming part of a team where everyone is all working toward the same outcome .”
The two-year apprenticeship may have already been successful because it ended in employment , but it has also started Sophie on a clear career path in planning . She has a five-year university degree next in mind , while working for the council , to lead her to become chartered in town planning and a fully‐fledged town planner for Ealing .
14 around ealing Winter 2021