Lewisham Council’s half a million pound campaign to recruit 100 apprentices over 100 days has officially launched.  

On July 9 mayor and cabinet approved a report seeking £510,000 to pay for a training provider for three apprenticeship cohorts over 18 months.   

The funds will come from the existing apprenticeship levy pot. 

The scheme, part of the council’s recovery plan in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, will offer roles with the council, local businesses, and in public sector organisations such as Lewisham Homes and Lewisham Hospital. 

One of the apprenticeships will involve working with mayor Damien Egan.

The role description says: “Working in the mayor’s office – a small group of staff who support the mayor and cabinet – you will learn to work on a range of business support responsibilities, deal with incoming and outgoing correspondence from residents and key public figures, including Government ministers, the Mayor of London and other council leaders from across the country, ensuring high levels of customer service at all times.”  

The apprentice will spend four days with the mayor and the fifth at a college studying for a public sector apprenticeship. They will also attend meetings of the mayor and cabinet, taking minutes and writing reports. 

Lewisham residents aged 16 and over can apply.   

Mayor Damien Egan, said: “All our council apprentices will be paid the London Living Wage which is now £10.75 an hour and have all their tuition paid for.  

“It is a great opportunity for people leaving school or college, or for anyone who is looking for a career change. 

“I’m looking forward to welcoming an apprentice into my team. My office works across every area of the council and while the job will be busy, our new apprentice will pick-up a huge amount of experience – it will be a great opportunity that I hope will set them up for life.” 

Cllr Joe Dromey, cabinet lead for employment and skills, said: “We are committed to building an economy that works for the many, with high quality jobs and training opportunities for all our residents. 

“Apprenticeships provide a fantastic opportunity to earn while you learn, and with the coronavirus crisis hitting our economy hard, this is more important than ever.  

“So we’re creating more apprenticeship opportunities, and we’re calling on local employers to do the same.” 

New council apprenticeships will be advertised every week for the next 100 days, with more announced every Friday.