To celebrate national apprentice week, UNISON, the UK’s largest union is pledging to create between three and six apprenticeships over the course of the next 12 months.
The announcement is a part of Camden council’s ‘100 in 100’ scheme, due to launch tomorrow (13 March). The council is challenging 100 local businesses and employers to take on 100 apprentices to help address worrying levels of youth unemployment in the capital. One in four of London’s under 25s are currently out of work.
UNISON is amongst the first tranche of employers who are taking up this challenge. The apprentices, who will be based at the union’s London headquarters, will be posted in various departments including in its busy campaigns team.
The scheme, which will begin as a pilot, could eventually be rolled out across the union nationally.
Dave Prentis UNISON General Secretary, said:
“Young people have been hit incredibly hard by the coalition’s devastating austerity policies. 25% of the capital’s under 25’s cannot find work and many have been priced out of further education by the university fee hikes. Their future is hanging in the balance.
“UNISON is committed to playing its part in giving young people hope for the future. Our apprentices will get our backing every step of the way. They will receive the best training and support and we know they will add to the diverse mix of skills that staff at UNISON already have.”
ENDS
