Isledon reaches employment milestone as it takes on 99th and 100th young employees
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A local organisation has celebrated a milestone recruiting their 99th and 100th young people – both through Islington Council’s apprenticeship development programme.
Sydney Milner, 19, and Holly Coleman, 18, are the latest young talents to have been taken on by Isledon, who manage Lift, Platform and Rose Bowl youth hubs.
Their recruitment means Isledon has employed 100 young people since taking on the management of Platform in 2011. Currently 51% of their employees are aged 16-25. These latest two posts were arranged through Islington Council’s well-regarded apprenticeship development programme, which placed 122 local people into apprenticeships in 2016/17.
Cllr Asima Shaikh, executive member for economic development, congratulated the newly-hired apprentices when she met them at a celebration marking Isledon’s recruitment milestone at Platform.
She said: “It was a pleasure to meet Sydney and Holly as they settled into their first jobs, and inspiring to hear their stories. Their dedication and work ethic shone through – and I’m sure they will get the chance to excel themselves.
“I am particularly proud of our apprenticeship development programme, which offers young people like Sydney and Holly the support they need to start carving out successful, rewarding careers.”
Sydney has joined Isledon as a finance assistant and Holly as a bookings co-ordinator.
Damien Swan, Isledon’s head of operations, said: “Young people are contributing as employees to every area of the business, from facility operation to policy development, and they bring fresh insight into everything we do. For most it's their first experience of the working world.”
Islington Council works with local employers to foster change for the future and engage local young people. The apprenticeships offered are high-quality, often with industry-specific qualifications, and offer a vital first step on the career ladder.
If you are a young person looking for an apprenticeship, or an employer keen to find out more, please email youthemploymentteam@islington.gov.uk or call 020 7527 3559.
Notes to editors
Notes to editor
Photo caption:-
Cllr Asima Shaikh, executive member for economic development, met Isledon Arts' latest apprentices at Platform youth hub - Holly Coleman (wearing glasses) and Sydney Milner.
Quotes from the apprentices:-
Holly said: “I decided to do an apprenticeship as I thought it would lead me in the right direction. Leaving secondary school I was clueless as to which career path to go down.
“Doing an apprenticeship means that I can learn while earning, and thought this was best for me. The reason I picked Isledon is very significant to me. I spent all of my childhood in Rose Bowl, and my four sisters attended Rose Bowl, as well as my parents. So being able to work with Rose Bowl, and see it grow and expand as a youth club, means a lot to me.”
Sydney said: “When I saw the apprenticeship with Isledon I decided to apply as, growing up, I often visited Lift and it seemed safe and welcoming. Throughout my time in school I can remember people who worked in both Lift and Platform visiting my school and telling us about the different types of activities available, to not only the people who live in Islington but to anyone else who was interested.”
- The council’s iWork Youth Employment Team worked with Isledon to broker the apprenticeships, which were open to Islington residents and school leavers aged 16-24.
- The team helps to promote employment opportunities to key contacts in schools, colleges and other services working with Islington young people. It provides in-work pastoral support to apprentices, helps employers to retain them with quarterly progress review meetings, and develops partnerships with local training providers who can offer the apprentices qualifications.
- The council commissions Isledon to run Lift, Platform and Rose Bowl youth hubs on its behalf, and offers apprenticeships as part of that agreement. Platform combines youth services provision with room hire for meetings, conferences and productions.
- Isledon employs many young people including bookings assistants, finance staff, duty managers, meet-and-greeters, customer service assistants, catering staff, ushers, lighting and sound assistants, recreation assistants, gym instructors, youth workers and young advisors.
Contact information
If you are a member of the public with a general question about the council please view the contact information on our website or call 020 7527 2000.