Merton fired up for Apprenticeship Awards final results

· by · in Awards, Events, Young people. ·

Merton Council has been shortlisted in the London Councils Apprenticeship Awards.

Shortlisted in the best mentor category, IT Service Desk Team Leader, Amardip Gill has been recognised for supporting one of Merton’s first apprentices, Mohammed Khan, who was runner up at last year’s awards in the Best contribution by a new apprentice category.

Speaking ahead of the awards Amardip said: “I am extremely honoured to have been recognised for my work in supporting our apprentice. Apprenticeships play an important role in supporting young people to learn new skills and develop their careers, and we gain a great deal from their enthusiasm and willingness to contribute and work hard. The mentoring and support of our apprentice was very much a team effort and I’m grateful to my manager and the rest of the IT Service Desk for all their assistance.”

Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis said: “Merton Council has a target of employing 30 apprentices per year which contributes towards the success of apprenticeships in London. Merton is an employer of choice for many people who live in this borough. We want to encourage young people to work at the council and see the value of the work we do in serving our residents.”

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday 25 September 2014.

Ends

Notes to editor

The London Council Apprenticeship Awards focus on four aspects which make apprenticeships in the capital such a booming success. These include best contribution by a new apprentice to your organisation, best progression by an apprentice, best manager or mentor and best work with supply chains and local businesses to create new apprenticeships.

In 2008, the proportion of apprenticeships in London compared to nationally were very low. Baseline figures estimated that London councils and their suppliers were collectively hosting 340 apprenticeships. A target was set for 2000 apprenticeships to be generated within London between 2009 and 2012. London boroughs exceeded their targets by generating over 5000 apprenticeships since 2009 and have continued to generate apprenticeship opportunities.