Roadshow brings opportunities for young people during National Apprenticeship Week

The week-long series of events will aim to encourage young people from all backgrounds to explore apprenticeships as a great way to move from education into the world of work.

National Apprenticeship Week highlights the wealth and quality of apprenticeship opportunities available, the impact they have on individuals, businesses and the economy and is used as a recruitment drive for vacancies.

The council-run Aspire events are dedicated to bringing 16-24 year olds into the same room as employers and training providers with current opportunities. The young people are also offered tailored support to help secure an opportunity that suits them.

The drop-in Aspire Roadshow events - with some sessions aimed at young people and some for parents - will include:

• Apprenticeship information tailored to groups that are historically underrepresented in apprenticeships
• The chance to talk to training providers with live apprenticeship opportunities
• Testimonials from current and former apprentices
• On-site support for young people to apply for apprenticeships

Below is a list of planned Aspire Roadshow events:

Tuesday 5 March, Muslim Welfare House, 11am - 12pm, female parents/carers only
Tuesday 5 March, Mary's Youth Open House Event, 5pm - 8:30pm, young people aged 16-25
Wednesday 6 March Highbury Roundhouse, 7pm - 8pm, young people aged 16-25
Wednesday 6 March Jubba Youth Community Association, 5pm - 6pm, young people aged 16-25
Thursday 7 March Muslim Welfare House, 3:30pm - 4:30pm, male parents/carers only

For more information see: https://www.islington.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/support-finding-work

Cllr Asima Shaikh, Islington's executive member for Inclusive Economy & Jobs said: "For this year's National Apprenticeship Week I'm delighted that our youth employment team is taking the highly successful Aspire series of career focused events out into our communities. Meeting young people where they feel most comfortable and reaching those who may not have previously thought about apprenticeships.

"As a borough we think it's really important that we give local people the support and advice they need to fulfil their potential. Learning while working is hugely rewarding, it's important young people from all backgrounds are able to explore their options and the opportunities available to them."

Since 2014 Islington Council has transformed its employment support offer and helped hundreds of people into apprenticeship positions - in 2017/18, 118 residents were helped into non-Islington Council apprenticeships, a 48% increase on the year before.

The Aspire events have gone from strength to strength. By working with local businesses such as Arsenal and Isledon, training providers and youth organisations, the service helps people kick start their career and fill skill gaps in the local economy.

The work focused on young people is part of the council's efforts to lead the way to get more people into employment, a key recommendation of its flagship Employment Commission in 2014. The council's iWork employment service builds on existing partnerships and provides high quality support to the local people who need it most.