NEW SCHEME HELPS ATTRACT YOUNG TO COUNCIL WORKFORCE

25 January 2006

London Borough of Lambeth has kicked off a new scheme it hopes will help lower the average age of its workforce and offer more opportunities to young people locally, by offering them a new career route at the Council.

A pilot programme, specially geared for the Council, has employed five young people aged 18-20 for a one year Business Administration Apprenticeship. During the year each of the young people works towards a National Vocational Qualification at level 2, with regular guidance provided by a qualified training assessor from TBG Learning, an independent training company. Any special training requirements are fulfilled at TBG Learning's local centre in Lyham Road, Brixton.

"Just as an employer this is a great thing. We can manage each employee like every other, which works very well, making them feel part of the team and support from the training company TBG Learning takes away any concern about the qualification. From the perspective of the local council brief, we're helping train and offer jobs to young people in the borough. We're raising our own standards in people development and setting an example to local employers", said Ben Smith, Head of Education Business Partnership, London Borough of Lambeth.

Each Apprentice has a line manager and a mentor who works closely with them, with guidance in the final three months on applying for training or advertised positions at the Council or externally.

"I had few qualifications and I saw this as an opportunity", said Corinne Carr, aged 19 from Stockwell, who's employed in the Positive Action for Young People Team, providing administration support for the team that arranges work experience for school students.

All of the Apprenticeship positions from the pilot will be advertised again for a new group of recruits aged 18-24 to start the programme this autumn with the Lambeth Education Business Partnership. It is hoped the scheme will be expanded to other departments as well.

For further information about TBG Learning call 020 72745106