Chiswick Launch for Apprentice Scheme

Mary Macleod starts initiative to get young people into work

Chiswick Park Enjoy-Work this week hosted the launch of MP Mary Macleod's new initiative to get West London businesses linked up with the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS).

The aim of the scheme is to encourage young people into work and to gain qualifications, whilst adding tangible value to businesses of all sizes based in the local area.

Representatives from UK and international companies, including BAA, Starbucks and Otis, gathered at Chiswick Park Enjoy-Work's HQ to hear how apprenticeships work and the commercial benefits that they offer.

Harminder Matharu from the NAS gave an insight into the scheme and the level of government funding available.

An open panel gave the audience an opportunity to hear first hand experiences of variously sized companies and their apprentices, with BAA, Ixion and Enjoy-Work representatives talking about the success of their apprenticeship schemes.

Adam Sage from West Thames College highlighted the wealth of young talent on offer in West London that can be developed through bespoke apprenticeship schemes.

Kay Chaston, CEO of Enjoy-Work commented: “At Enjoy-Work we are proud to support the local community, and over the last three years have enhanced our wider education programme with a landscape apprenticeship scheme with participants going on to secure permanent employment.

Following the success of this, we launched a four year engineering apprenticeship scheme for pupils from Chiswick Community School, starting in September. We will be looking forward to seeing the effect of today's event; it would be positive to see more locally-based businesses harnessing the power of apprentices and reaping the commercial benefits.”

February 4, 2012