In our drive to recruit, upskill and retain talented staff we’ve exceeded the number of apprentices employed at the London Borough of Harrow.
Last year as part of our flagship actions we committed to doubling the number of apprentices across the council. From waste and recycling, HR and housing to social workers, and IT – our talented group of apprentices are excelling in their careers.
We’ve had around 50 members of staff upskill themselves by taking on an apprenticeship. This also includes 12 apprentices who were recruited externally across various services. 8 apprentices were placed in our schools.
The successful delivery of this flagship action will carry on. This next financial year we will recruit two graduates as part of the National Graduate Scheme for the first time while taking on more apprentices.
Apprentice Benefits Assessor, Pradip from Housing Benefits said:
I’m currently doing an 18-month course through Institute of Revenues Rating & Valuation which will lead to a recognised qualification. In addition, I am receiving comprehensive training within the department led by Al Sharp.
I’m very much enjoying the course, learning about the rules and regulations around the theory of assessing benefits. My aim is to secure a permanent position when it becomes available.
Apprenticeships are open to everyone regardless of age. They offer a range of benefits for hiring managers and services. They bring in new ideas, help individuals learn new skills and it earns them a recognised qualification.
Cllr David Ashton, Cabinet Member for Finance and HR said:
Reflecting on the last year I am pleased that we have delivered yet another Flagship Action. I had the pleasure to meet many of our apprentices that we have helped upskill and move further into their careers. We said we would double the number of council apprentices, and we have exceeded that.
It means we are putting our residents first, helping people go further in their career and developing a talented workforce to deliver our services.
We will continue to help people go further in their careers with more apprenticeships and graduate schemes. Details of these will come soon.
Watch our short video below featuring some of our apprentices and their journey with us.