Hounslow Council is running series of free webinars to be held to mark National Apprenticeship Week this week.

Apprenticeships provide an opportunity for people to kickstart new careers and for local businesses to fill skills gaps, upskill and revitalise their workforce ensuring they are 'future ready'.

The Council has pledged to create 400 apprenticeship placements within four years.

So far it has achieved up to 75 per cent of that target in the first three years.

It employs apprentices, across a range of service areas including, communications, customer services, transport, social care, and housing.

As part of its wider commitment to create 4,000 new apprenticeships and training opportunities to help people into work, the Work Hounslow team, run by the council, is running a series of free webinars throughout the week.

They will provide an opportunity for employers to hear about the benefits of running an apprenticeship programme; and for residents, thinking about becoming an apprentice, to find out more.

Cllr Tom Bruce Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Youth Services, said: "I am very proud of the Council's apprenticeship scheme, and this week is the perfect opportunity to showcase the achievements of apprentices, managers and businesses.

"Our apprenticeship programme has been a key factor in increasing the number of residents applying to work for the Council. In addition, through our Work Hounslow programme, we have also supported local businesses to create good quality apprenticeships and recruit candidates.

"Our borough has been one of the hardest-hit economically by the pandemic and these apprenticeships offer residents a chance to learn new skills and earn a living wage, while gaining a nationally recognised qualification and invaluable experience.

"Hounslow doesn't want to just create apprenticeships; we want to change lives and boost businesses. I would urge anyone who thinks they could offer this opportunity to someone in Hounslow, or for someone who is interested in joining a work-based apprenticeship, to join our free webinars."

Saadiq Cornelius who joined the council as an apprentice and now works full-time as a Web and Digital Officer and former Events Management Apprentice, at Hounslow Council, said: "Stepping into the role at the council felt natural to me.

"I enjoyed it from day one and gave it 100 per cent. In 2015, I won the Spark Apprentice of the Year award, which was a complete surprise and a great accolade.

"After my apprenticeship, I was kept on in a permanent role. I am now the council's Web and Digital Officer. I'm loving it – every day is different."

To find out more and read the stories of some of the Council's apprentices visit: About apprenticeships - Work Hounslow | Apprenticeships | London Borough of Hounslow

To find out more about Work Hounslow and the support on offer for local residents visit www.workhounslow.co.uk