City of London Corporation: apprentices can build future UK workforce
The City of London Corporation is marking National Apprenticeship Week by highlighting the 181 individuals currently beginning their careers within the organization, spanning a variety of roles throughout London and southeast England.
Chris Hayward, the Policy Chairman of the City Corporation, emphasized today that apprenticeships offer a dual benefit of employment and education, playing a crucial role in shaping the UK’s future labor force.
As the governing body of the City of London and a promoter of the nation’s financial and professional services internationally, the City Corporation plays a pivotal role. Since 2017, it has facilitated the career progression of 538 individuals, including its employees, through apprenticeship opportunities.
The organization is renowned for delivering top-tier public services, managing over 11,000 acres of green spaces like Epping Forest and Hampstead Heath, providing social housing in six London boroughs, overseeing three wholesale markets, and serving as the largest London Port Health Authority by area in the UK.
Through its Destination City initiative, the City Corporation aims to position the Square Mile as a premier global leisure destination. It is a significant supporter of the UK’s heritage and cultural sectors, investing more than £130 million annually. The organization also oversees esteemed institutions such as the Barbican Centre, Tower Bridge, and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, among others.
It oversees 10 academies across various London boroughs through the City of London Academies Trust and manages the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey), a venue for high-profile criminal trials. Additionally, it operates the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre, ensuring animals entering the UK through Heathrow Airport meet legislative requirements and safeguarding against diseases like rabies.
Apprentices in the City Corporation come from varied backgrounds and work in fields ranging from horticulture to civil engineering, receiving the Living Wage and ongoing career support post-apprenticeship.
Chris Hayward praised the apprenticeship model as a vital tool for businesses to develop necessary skills, offering young individuals a pathway into the business world and contributing to the nation’s workforce development. Meanwhile, Caroline Haines, Chair of the City Corporation’s Education Board, highlighted the transformative potential of apprenticeships for industries and individuals alike, emphasizing their role in addressing skill shortages across various sectors.
Apprentices shared their experiences, with Katy Lovell at the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre discussing the benefits of learning in a practical setting, and Peter Sowemimo at the Central Criminal Court outlining how his leadership apprenticeship has enhanced his skills and understanding of leadership strategies.
The City Corporation is also organizing the annual London Careers Festival from February 26 to March 8, connecting students with a broad spectrum of businesses, apprenticeship providers, and career opportunities in the capital.