Mayor of London Urges More Employers to ‘Host’ Apprentices at LAC Event.
Boris Johnson has publicly announced his support for the London Apprentice Programme. Find out how your company can get in involved.
The London Apprenticeship Company (LAC) were proud to welcome Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, to speak at their open day, held at in the London Transport Museum, Covent Garden this week. The Mayor showed his full support for the LAC, saying they were officially 'hired' by the GLA, while adding that employers need to get on board by offering more apprenticeships for the young people of London.
The Mayor said: “The London Apprenticeship Company is making a lasting contribution to London. Many employers, including those here today, will tell you how taking on an apprentice is a fantastic way to bring fresh talent and energy into the team and build a basis for future growth. I salute all businesses across London that already have apprenticeship schemes in place and am encouraging many more to follow suit.”
The event showcased the work of the London Apprenticeship Company, which is part funded by the London Development Agency, in supporting businesses and organisations to ‘host’ apprentices and reduce the overall cost to the employer. During his time there, the Mayor met with apprentices and ‘host’ companies working with the LAC. These organisations included ResponsibleIT, London College of Beauty Therapy, Park Royal Partnership and Dancing After School and Eve Appeal, amongst others.
The Mayor is urging companies across the capital to take advantage of the support available from organisations such as the LAC who help businesses, particularly smaller firms, through the process of finding, recruiting and delivering apprentices.
Jeremy Hempstead, acting CEO, London Apprenticeship Company said: “This vote of confidence is a reflection of the Mayor’s commitment to both the London Apprenticeship Company and more importantly our aim to deliver a meaningful service to businesses while supporting them to take on Apprentices.”
Hannah Mayne was one of the apprentices to receive a certificate from Boris Johnson at the event, she was employed by the LAC as a Business Administration Apprentice in summer 2009 and ‘hosted’ by London First. Baroness Jo Valentine, Chief Executive of London First said: “ Apprenticeships are a valuable way in which employers can provide opportunities to young Londoners and nurture valuable members of staff. We have been delighted with Hannah’s progress. London First has benefitted through employing a dedicated member of staff at a competitive rate who is eager to learn and grow, and who provides valuable support across the organisation. As one of the first organizations to have taken on an apprentice through the London Apprenticeship Company we are delighted with the support they have provided”.
The London Apprenticeship Company is supported by:
London Development Agency, National Apprenticeship Service, Westminster City Council, Westminster Kingsway College, City of Westminster College, Central West Group Australia, Vital Regeneration and the Paddington Development Trust.
Picture courtesy of www.luluash.co.uk
