Apprenticeship opportunities tripled across London

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.

This includes 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, and 838 by businesses that boroughs have worked with that aren’t in the direct supply chain.

Georgia Gould, deputy chair of London Councils, 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.”