A local organisation has celebrated a milestone recruiting their 99th and 100th young people – both through Islington Council’s apprenticeship development programme.
Sydney Milner, 19, and Holly Coleman, 18, are the latest young talents to have been taken on by Isledon, who manage Lift, Platform and Rose Bowl youth hubs.
Their recruitment means Isledon has employed 100 young people since taking on the management of Platform in 2011. Currently 51% of their employees are aged 16-25. These latest two posts were arranged through Islington Council’s well-regarded apprenticeship development programme, which placed 122 local people into apprenticeships in 2016/17.
Cllr Asima Shaikh, executive member for economic development, congratulated the newly-hired apprentices when she met them at a celebration marking Isledon’s recruitment milestone at Platform.
She said: “It was a pleasure to meet Sydney and Holly as they settled into their first jobs, and inspiring to hear their stories. Their dedication and work ethic shone through – and I’m sure they will get the chance to excel themselves.
“I am particularly proud of our apprenticeship development programme, which offers young people like Sydney and Holly the support they need to start carving out successful, rewarding careers.”
Sydney has joined Isledon as a finance assistant and Holly as a bookings co-ordinator.
Damien Swan, Isledon’s head of operations, said: “Young people are contributing as employees to every area of the business, from facility operation to policy development, and they bring fresh insight into everything we do. For most it’s their first experience of the working world.”
Islington Council works with local employers to foster change for the future and engage local young people. The apprenticeships offered are high-quality, often with industry-specific qualifications, and offer a vital first step on the career ladder.
If you are a young person looking for an apprenticeship, or an employer keen to find out more, please email [email protected] or call 020 7527 3559.
