London boroughs are proudly championing apprentices with a 14 per cent increase in the number of apprenticeships created directly by boroughs this year, according to new data released by London Councils.
The total number of apprentices employed by boroughs continues to rise each year. Between April 2019 and March 2020, London boroughs generated a total of 3,693 apprenticeships. Of these, 1,772 apprentices were directly employed by boroughs, a 14 per cent increase on the previous year. This is almost three times the amount generated in 2016-17.
Apprenticeships generated by London boroughs include:
• 1,772 apprentices created internally by councils
• 510 in maintained schools
• 481 in the supply chain to boroughs
• 89 in levy transfers from boroughs to SMEs
• 838 by businesses that boroughs have worked with that aren’t in the direct supply chain
• 3 by Apprenticeship Training Agencies where boroughs pay the salary and provide the placement for the apprentice.
This year, London Councils has collected data in two new categories: apprentices recruited by businesses that boroughs have worked with but aren’t in the direct supply chain, and apprentices created through apprenticeship levy transfers from boroughs to SMEs.
London boroughs support a diverse range of apprentices across London. These apprentices work in communications, construction, data analysis, HR, project management and many other sectors. Boroughs are proud to work with apprentices of all ages, from all parts of the city and from a wide range of backgrounds. Apprenticeships are a great way to learn new skills or enter a new sector, and so will be an important part of London’s recovery by helping some Londoners change careers in these challenging times.
Cllr Georgia Gould, Deputy Chair of London Councils and Executive Member for Skills and Employment, said:
“There is a different story behind every apprenticeship. From the young starter entering the world of work for the first time to the more experienced worker seeking to gain new skills. Apprenticeships created and supported by boroughs provide a unique opportunity for Londoners to progress in their career and give something back to their community.
“Boroughs have led the way in creating significant opportunities for apprentices, tripling the number of apprenticeships to 1,772 directly employed in the last financial year. This number increases to 3,693 when factoring in apprenticeships created in borough supply chains, maintained schools and through councils’ brokerage schemes.
“This year in particular has been a difficult year for many Londoners. The opportunities that borough apprenticeships offer to learn skills, lay foundations and expand horizons for the future of individuals and communities are vital to London’s recovery.”
This year, London Councils is celebrating 10 years since the first London Boroughs Apprenticeship Awards was held. The awards for 2020 acknowledge that this year in particular has been a real challenge for apprentices and those that support them working in all sectors. The winners will be announced online in September by Cllr Georgia Gould.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- The number of apprentices directly recruited by boroughs.
- The number of apprentices recruited by contractors that deliver services on behalf of a borough.
- The number of apprentices placed with Apprenticeship Training Agencies where boroughs pay the salary and provide the placements for, but do not employ the apprentice.
- Apprentices recruited by businesses that boroughs have worked with but aren’t in the direct supply chain
- Apprentices created through apprenticeship levy transfers from boroughs to SMEs.