Residents of Hackney can now apply for a scheme that will give them the opportunity to start a career working at Hackney Council in fields such as finance, gas engineering and youth work.

The Hackney Council-led programme is open until September 2020 to residents in the borough of all ages. With 40 people being able to secure a placement, they can earn up to £28,000 a year once they have completed the apprenticeship – depending on which job role they are successful in.

Councillor Carole Williams, Cabinet Minister for Employment, Skills and Human Resources said: “Over the past few months, we have all had growing concerns about the impact of coronavirus in our lives, the economy and communities around us. 

“Launching the council’s apprentice recruitment campaign in the midst of the crisis is an important step to take to help Hackney residents aged 16 and over to give their careers a much-needed boost.”

She said that she wanted as many people to apply to the scheme as possible as it is a great way to start a career or even a new employment path.

To be considered for the apprenticeship scheme, applicants must live in Hackney, either attend or have attended a Hackney secondary school, received or are receiving Hackney leaving care services or be part of a university or other education institution in the borough.

Assessments and interviews for the scheme will be held in July and August, with the apprenticeship itself beginning in the autumn.

If successful, people will be able to choose from 21 digital apprenticeships in areas such as product development, data analysis, software development and cyber intrusion. 

They will also have the choice of further 22 apprenticeships in areas such as plumbing, surveying and customer service.

According to Hackney Council’s website, over 75 per cent of apprentices have chosen to stay within the council once their term has finished.

Hidayat Deen, an ICT Delivery Manager Apprentice said that he hopes to stay within the council and progress to a higher level of apprenticeship.

He added: “I’d like to remain within the council as I’d love to carry on serving the borough. I want to help improve it and what better way than with the council.”

The council’s scheme has won awards from various educational institutions including the Large Employer and Recruitment Excellence award at the 2019 National Apprenticeship Awards for London.

Further details on the scheme can be found on Hackney Council’s website.