Action to support 2,000 residents into employment and apprenticeships

More residents will be supported into jobs, apprenticeships, and training, as the council steps up opportunities for local people. 

To help Make it Happen for Islington, the council has set itself the ambition of supporting 1,000 residents into work, and a further 1,000 into apprenticeships. Additionally, work is underway to support more opportunities for work experience and paid internships, and to provide additional support for those facing barriers to employment. 

At a time when many young people are thinking about their next steps after school, college or university, the council is highlighting the wide range of support available to help them gain skills, build confidence and access opportunities. 

In the coming months, young people will be able to access personalised support following GCSE and A-Level results through the council's Progress Team as they make important decisions about their future. 

On Thursday 24 September, as part of Careers Week, the council will host an Opportunities Fair at West Library, bringing together council services, employers, Adult Community Learning, colleges, adult learning and training providers to showcase opportunities, inspire ambition and help residents take their next step into education, training or employment. The event will also include interview skills workshops and careers insight sessions. 

Councillor James Potts, Executive Member for Inclusive Economy and Planning, said: "Whether it's a young person looking for their first work experience placement, someone exploring apprenticeships, or a resident returning to work after a period out of employment, we're committed to making sure people can access the support they need to succeed. 

"That’s why we're working with employers, colleges, NHS organisations and community partners to create more routes into good jobs, helping residents develop skills, gain confidence and fulfil their potential. 

"By investing in people, working with businesses and creating pathways into employment, we're opening up opportunities to ensure more residents can share in Islington's success." 

TechnologyOne is one of a number of businesses working with Islington Council to provide brokered paid internships and employment opportunities for local residents. Through these partnerships, residents can gain valuable workplace experience, develop new skills and progress into long-term careers. Two resident to benefit are Lagnadeep Das and Mohammed Yaaseen Khalique, who recently secured a permanent role as a Project Support Officers at TechnologyOne after completing a paid internship with the company. 

Stuart MacDonald, Chief Operating Officer at TechnologyOne, said: "We're passionate about helping people build meaningful careers in technology. Our partnership with Islington Council has enabled us to provide hands-on industry experience that equips young people with the skills and confidence they need to succeed. 

"Seeing these interns progress into full-time roles at TechnologyOne is a fantastic outcome and demonstrates the impact that strong partnerships between local government and industry can have on local communities." 

Mohammed Yaaseen Khalique said: "When I joined TechnologyOne as an intern, I had no idea where it would lead. Coming from a completely different background, I was nervous and unsure if I'd fit in, but everyone made me feel welcome from day one. 

"The internship gave me the confidence, experience and support I needed to grow, and I'm incredibly proud that it led to a full-time role as a Project Support Officer. It's genuinely changed the direction of my career." 

Targeted programmes will continue to support young people who may face additional barriers to employment too. The Youth Trailblazer – Full Potential programme provides care-experienced young people with personalised support, skills development and paid internships, while Your Choice offers paid work placements and mentoring opportunities for young people at greatest risk of serious youth violence. 

Alongside this, supported internship programmes delivered with NHS, education and community partners are helping young people with additional needs gain workplace experience, build confidence and move closer to employment. 

Young people can already access tailored careers advice, CV support and pathways into employment through Islington's Youth Employment Hubs. The council also works with schools, colleges and employers through its World of Work programme, helping young people gain valuable insight into different careers and build the skills employers are looking for. 

These ambitions build on strong foundations. Over the last four years, more than 6,000 residents have moved into employment through council-supported employment, skills and training programmes, while more than 1,000 residents have started apprenticeships since 2022.