Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week

This week we’re celebrating National Apprenticeship Week.
An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable experiences with a combination of on-the-job training and completing classroom-based learning with a college, university or training provider which leads to a nationally recognised qualification.
We’ve supported women who have come to us when they have applied for apprenticeships with many of them working with our referral partners who specifically look to support clients into both employment and achieving qualifications. One of those referral partners is the Care Leaver Covenant. 

Since 2018 the Covenant has been working with organisations and businesses to create opportunities for care leaver work placements, further education courses, health related, apprenticeship, practical help, work experience, housing support or paid position.   

The five key outcomes which the Covenant seeks to deliver for care leavers are:

  1. Better prepared and supported to live independently 
  2. Improved access to employment, education and training 
  3. Experience Stability in their lives and feel safe and secure 
  4. Improved access to health and emotional support 
  5. Achieve financial stability 

Organisations and businesses can sign up to the care leaver Covenant and publish an offer of their specific support, explaining how care leavers can access their opportunities.

Smart Works is proud to have been a signatory of the Covenant since 2019 and have worked to support their clients into employment, including apprenticeships. At Smart Works we’re committed to making sure all our clients reach their potential and work with over 200 referral partners across London. If you or someone you know is applying for an apprenticeship and working with a charity or organisation who can refer to our services, please do encourage them to call 020 7288 1770 or email london@smartworks.org.uk.