Published: Friday 4 February 2022
The 15th annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2022 kicks off from 7-13 February and Kensington and Chelsea Council is marking the week with a packed timetable of virtual events and talks, in collaboration with local employers, to celebrate all that the borough has to offer and local apprentices, as well as showcase apprenticeship opportunities.
This year’s #NAW2022 theme ‘Build the Future’ encourages everyone to consider how apprenticeships can help to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and employers to develop a workforce with future ready skills.
Cllr Catherine Faulks, Lead Member for Economy, Employment and Innovation at the Council said:
“This National Apprenticeship Week we’re hosting virtual talks and Q&As so people can speak directly with local employers, showcasing the opportunities on offer and the talent of some of the borough’s hardworking apprentices.
“It’s never been more important to help our residents find their way into work and progress their careers. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, there are loads of opportunities – 325 people started a new apprenticeship in Kensington and Chelsea in 2021.
“I applaud those employers who are recognising not only the benefits for the individuals they are training, but also the benefits apprentices can bring to their business.”
During the week’s events, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from employers across wide range of sectors including, hospitality, construction, healthcare, retail, security and leisure. Major employers taking part include Harrods, GLL, TFL, MET Police, Multiverse and more. They will share information on current and future apprenticeship opportunities, how to apply for vacancies and career progression after completing the apprenticeship.
HS2 will also provide information about the jobs and apprenticeships available on the HS2 project and how they can be accessed. These jobs and apprenticeships will be in a range of areas including business, construction, design, engineering and technology.
The Council will also be hosting sessions directly with schools, giving teaching and support staff the opportunity to further develop their skills and make students aware of the different routes into their chosen career.
Last year there were more than 325 apprenticeship starts in the borough with around 260 residents taking up an apprenticeship either locally or in surrounding boroughs. There are currently 1000 local apprenticeships available, ranging from level 2 to 6.
The Council currently has 106 apprentices in placements, a third of whom are new recruits. The Council retains an average of 50 per cent of new recruit apprentices, and half of new recruits are either residents, care leavers, or those with disabilities.
The Council is also collaborating with Morley College to offer an apprenticeship training course to support residents in applying for apprenticeships. Through the Kickstart Scheme, the Council has placed more than 100 employees into jobs offered by local businesses.
For more information of the Council’s virtual #NAW2022 timetable please visit the website: https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/apprenticeship-week
For more information on National Apprenticeship Week 2022 visit the apprenticeships website.
- Banham Security Apprenticeship Case Study
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Martin Herbert, Managing Director for local business, Banham Security, said:
"Banham have always valued the importance of training the next generation and nurturing talent. We proudly have two Directors at Banham today, who both started out as apprentices at the age of 16, so we know first-hand just how incredibly valuable apprentices are to your workforce.
“We launched the Banham Academy in order to give young people the opportunity to learn skills and training to embark on careers within our industry. The UK has seen a significant decline in the uptake of engineers in our industry over the past decade and we have been committed to bridge that gap through the Academy.
“We continue to provide opportunities to today's youth, particularly to those from less advantaged backgrounds, and give them invaluable training to create fruitful careers and better their futures. To date, Banham have proudly taken on 35 apprentices through the Academy and trained close to 200 apprentices in total, and we look forward to welcoming more to our growing workforce."Gianluca Mori, Apprentice at Banham Security, said:
“I joined Banham Security’s Fire, Emergency and Security Systems Apprentice Programme to become a fully qualified technician. I decided to enrol as an apprentice because I love the idea of being paid whilst training to do something I really enjoy.
“Technology and electronics are my passions, I’m also a very handy and practical person. The training provided at Banham Security and Academy is a combination of theory and practice in the field, supervised by a tutor and a mentor. I have now been in my apprenticeship for a year and a half, and I have learnt how to maintain a variety of fire and security systems, including intruder alarm, CCTV and Access Control systems.“I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to anyone who is looking to set a strong career path and professionally progress within their chosen industry.”
Kevin Faulkner, Operations Director at Banham Security said:
‘All of the team at Banham Academy are proud to be delivering accredited training to a wide range of talented young people throughout the UK. Our aim is to help today's youth fulfil their potential in order to embark on rewarding careers within the fire and security sectors. Not only do we provide vital sector-focused skills and training, but we also pride ourselves in helping to improve each student's professionalism and confidence which will serve them throughout their lives after leaving the Academy.'