Published: Friday, 2nd February 2018

The Royal Borough has been recognised as one of the top apprentice employers.

The Centrica Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer Awards 2017 celebrate those employers that have shown the greatest commitment to apprenticeships.

Royal Greenwich is the only local authority to be honoured in this year's awards.

'A gateway to rewarding careers'

Cllr Chris Kirby, Cabinet Member for Human Resources, Co-operatives & Social Enterprise, said: "I'm extremely proud that Royal Greenwich is on such a prestigious list.

"Over the past few years we have worked hard to ensure that we offer a wide programme of apprenticeships that have been a gateway to rewarding careers for many of our residents."

A wide range of apprenticeships

In 2012 the Council changed the way it employed apprentices and since then hundreds of residents have been offered placements. There are apprenticeships in different vocational areas, ranging from business administration and digital marketing to health and social care, housing and youth work.

The Council's commitment to supporting apprenticeships goes beyond its own internal departments.

Royal Greenwich is undertaking ambitious regeneration projects right across the borough. As part of its contract agreements with contractors and builders, the Council ensures that apprenticeships, training and job opportunities are available to local residents on all major building programmes in the Borough.

Award winning employment support team

Cllr Sizwe James, Cabinet Member for Transport, Economy and Smart Cities, said: "Apprentices are hugely important to our ambition to ensure Greenwich residents have a chance to learn skills that can lead to well paid jobs and long term careers.

"The award is further recognition of the work done by our award winning Greenwich Local Labour and Business (GLLaB) team."

GLLaB is the Borough's own employment support team and has helped many residents find jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities.

As well as providing apprentice and work opportunities, GLLaB offers employment advice, CV writing and job interview training and tailored one to one support, particularly to the long term unemployed and young people in the borough.