Four Counties Training is your local training provider and we have government funding to support you in employing an Apprentice. We can help you to take advantage of this funding, from beginning to end of the Apprenticeship Scheme.

We would plan with you how an Apprenticeship could fit into your business, which parts of the programme you would like us to deliver and which parts (if any) you would like to be responsible for yourself.

We are here to smooth the way. We can even help with recruitment and we want to work with local businesses to make a difference in our local community in Ealing.

We are based in Ealing and have many years’ experience of delivering Apprenticeships to employers. Talk to Joyce or Marilyn on 0208 840 5132 or by email: joyce.dargie@fct.uk.com or marilyn.sang@fct.uk.com We are here to help.

Click here for more information.

We work with key partners, employers and the self-employed to raise skill levels, promote entrepreneurship and increase innovation in our region.

Whether you are a local business or a resident opportunities exist that can help you find what you are looking for, whether it is:

• Our Free Job Vacancy Promotion Service within the Careers & Employment Service
• Funding for your business through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
• Access to undergraduate and graduate skills via placement and student project work
• Access to a range of specialist University facilities and high quality teaching and conference rooms
• Business advice, consultancy and training in a range of professional short courses designed to improve the skills and capability of your staff to support your business growth and development

For more information please call 020 8231 2922 or visit www.uwl.ac.uk/employers

Ealing Apprenticeships provides an excellent opportunity to develop your skills and obtain a greater chance of gaining permanent employment within Ealing Council.

What is Ealing Council Apprenticeships?

We are looking for enthusiastic and highly motivated young people aged between 16 and 24 who live or go to school in Ealing to join Ealing Council Apprenticeships.

You should be committed to working in the council and striving to meet the needs of a diverse community and be willing to undertake training in a range of skills.

Ealing Council Apprenticeships has been designed to provide opportunities for young people. You will work in one of the councils' service areas and be expected to work towards qualifications to fulfil an apprenticeship framework which includes a National Vocational Qualification at Level 2 in your first year (equivalent of 5 GCSEs at C or above) and Level 3 in your second year (equivalent of 2 A levels).

You do not need special skills, work experience or qualifications. But you do need enthusiasm and to be ready and willing to:

• develop your skills
• work to your full potential
• be a good team member
• deliver the best possible service to the people and communities of Ealing

What you will get:

• a one year training agreement with an optional second year
• a generous training allowance
• work-based learning leading to an apprenticeship
• a chance to add to and develop your existing skills
• invaluable work experience at Ealing Council
• advice on developing your career at Ealing Council or elsewhere

Who can apply?

Please note the following eligibility criteria apply;

• Applicants must be aged between 16 and 24 years of age (you must be aged 24 years at the point of being made a conditional offer of an apprenticeship).
• Applicants must fulfil one of the following:
  • You are resident of the London Borough of Ealing (proof of residency will be checked).
  • You currently attend a school in the London Borough of Ealing, or have valid GCSEs obtained at an Ealing school (certificates are valid for three years and will be checked).
  • You currently attend a College in the London Borough of Ealing. You may apply if you have obtained A levels, but not if you have a degree (college registration will be checked).
• Applicants will not have already undertaken an apprenticeship with the Council.

How to apply

You can download an application form (word) or contact Ealing Council Apprenticeships directly:
Email: apprenticeships@ealing.gov.uk
Tel: (020) 8825 6234.

Additional Support with applications for those with dissabilities:
We positively welcome applications from disabled people who are under represented in all areas of the council. If you have a disability and would like support with completing an application for one of the apprenticeship vacancies then you can contact Alison Turrell at Learning Curve:
Tel: (020) 8752 1907
Email: turrella@ealing.gov.uk

Additional Support with applications:
If you are claiming benefits and would like an advisor to help you, contact Ealing Jobcentre Plus tel: (020) 8258 3090.
If you are aged 16-19 (or up to age 25 if you have learning difficulties or a disability) you can also find new vacancies at Connexions (020) 8231 6900 where you can also speak to an advisor about applying and interview support.

Further information: Ealing Council Apprenticeships guide:

• www.apprenticeships.org.uk - general information on apprenticeships
• Connexions Service: apprenticeship vacancies with employers across West London. (020) 8231 6900. You can also speak to an advisor about making applications and interview support.
• Jobcentre Plus: training opportunities across London on offer for those on benefits, contact (020) 8258 3090
• Information on services and activities for young people in the borough of Ealing: www.youngealing.co.uk
• Way to Work: apprenticeship vacancies
• www.youngealing.co.uk - information on services and activities for young people in the borough of Ealing

There are two large educational establishments in Ealing and several other smaller colleges at which to study.

Ealing & West London College and Thames Valley University (TVU) have a great reputation and offer a wide variety of courses and degrees to choose from.

Ealing & West London College also includes the Ealing Institute of Media offering media and design courses.

The Drama Studio London, on the corner of Grange Road has a choice of accredited courses, preparing students for life in today's professional theatre.

There are also a number of smaller schools and colleges such as Brudenell School of English, the Centre for British Teachers, Ealing Independent (formerly Tutorial) College, GEOS English Academy and the London School of Management.

Here's more information about Ealing & West London College and Thames Valley University.

We are one of the largest colleges in the UK offering education and training for school leavers, adults, working professionals and international students at our four college sites (Acton, Ealing, Hammersmith and Southall) and in the local community.

We have over 25,000 students studying on a part or full-time basis and also work closely with employers to provide flexible training solutions.

Ofsted has given us a 'Good' rating with 'Oustanding' in Leadership & Management, Science & Maths and ESOL.

We have been awarded Beacon status by the Government's Quality Improvement Agency (QIA) for 'excellence and innovation' - one of only four colleges across London. Our International Student Centre became the first ever further education college to win the Queen's Award in this category. We received the accolade as part of the Queen's annual birthday celebrations in April 2008. Over the past three years, the College has seen the number of international students enrolling with us rise from 450 to 2000. This award recognises the College's entrepreneurship and commitment to excellence in overseas recruitment.

Some of our courses are outlined below and we're proud of our reputation for providing high standards of teaching, support, advice and guidance.

Train2Gain is a major new initiative designed to help businesses see for themselves the positive impact of skills training. What's more - effective training for your employees can vastly improve your chances of success.

In addition, organisations with less than 50 employees may be entitled to wage reimbursement whilst the employee is training.

For more information please call Anthony Clarke on 020 7565 1263 or email: train2gain@wlc.ac.uk

For more information on the College visit www.wlc.ac.uk or

Freephone 0800 980 2175

EIM offers courses in four main areas; of Animation, Television, Graphic Design and Interactive Media. Every course prepares students for the dynamic and fast-changing world of work in the Media and Design Industries.

Animation

Designed for creative animators, game developers and designers, the Foundation degree in Animation provides inventive and motivated students with the necessary technical and creative expertise to enter the dynamic animation industry. You could pursue a career in Animation, Digital Animation, Gaming and more.

Television

Various courses will involve aspects of Television training. Assignments and lessons are varied and very hands on. You will get the opportunity to create your own work and experiment with a variety of genres including Talk Shows, Documentaries, Soaps, Music Videos, Comedies, Dramas, and Horrors. All practical teaching is supported by a stimulating theoretical foundation, which takes into account how social and cultural attitudes affect media texts.

Graphic Design

Our courses teach you about the creative processes involved in Graphic Design and the large impact that it has on today's society. You will learn about industry related software and tools but previous experience of such packages is not vital. We place much more emphasis on your natural talent and we aim to develop and mature your creative eye.

Interactive Media

You will learn about Sound and Audio-Visual Production, Animation Techniques, Music Technology, Video Post Production, Editing, Designing Websites and how to use computer software packages for Art and Design. This course is a sound basis for pursuing careers in Web Design; Animation; Games Design; Multimedia Authoring; Interface or Print Design; Audio-Visual Production; Editing or Photography.

Pitman Training in Ealing is a leading provider of customer care, office and business skills training. Each year, Pitmans assist thousands of people to develop their skills and achieve their career goals. All the courses are popular with employers because each course focuses on the key skills employers demand. Students gain in confidence throughout the course and leave with those crucial skills. Our customers include students as well as some of the world's top companies both in the UK and overseas.

Contact us to arrange a free course demonstration on 0208 455 9585.