Apprenticeships

Busayo Epega is a HR support apprenticeship at the council

An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain experience and get paid.

An apprenticeship can be for people starting out on their work life journey at the age of 16, or those looking to change career for a different working life. There is no age limit on an apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships cover 1,500 job roles in a wide range of industries such as social care, engineering, digital and accountancy.

Earn while you learn

Do you live in Hammersmith & Fulham?
Are you aged 16+?
Are you looking for some quality work experience and the chance to gain a qualification?

Want to apply?

Visit our careers page

Want to know more?

For more information email us at apprenticeships@lbhf.gov.uk

Benefits of apprenticeships

Prospects

90% stay in work post-apprenticeship
71% of apprentices stay with the same employer

Apprenticeship top 100

1 in 5 companies have a former apprentice at board level
51% of apprentices said the average time for an apprentice to reach management in their firm was 5 years or less

Qualifications

Qualifications on offer go up to degree and even masters level
There are 3 levels of apprenticeship depending on skills and qualifications: intermediate, advanced and higher
It's an opportunity to learn the theory and apply it practically

All new apprenticeships are designed by employers

People are being taught the right skills to progress in their chosen industry - we call these apprenticeship trailblazers
Apprenticeships set people up with a career - not just a job

Find out more on the GOV.UK Apprenticeships website

Meet some of our apprentices and their managers...

Sinead Fox

Registration Officer Apprentice, Registrars (Environment)

I would highly recommend an apprenticeship. You gain so many different skills and experiences from the workplace and the course you study. One thing I was surprised at, was the responsibility you are given. The pandemic of COVID-19 has been my biggest challenge so far and management supported me by constantly checking in on my wellbeing.

I would like to stay within the Registration Office field, as doing this apprenticeship has made me realised how much I enjoy doing this job. However, with the qualification I gain, I have the option of trying out other careers within the business admin field as well."

Read more about Sinead's experiences

Who are you and what apprenticeship are you on?
I am Sinéad Fox, a Registration Officer Apprentice, completing a Business Administrator Level 3 Apprenticeship course. As a Registration Officer Apprentice, I have the interesting job of registering local births, marriages and deaths.

Why did you apply to be an apprentice within the council?
I applied to be an apprentice because I wanted to gain experience in a different workplace environment, an understanding on how the council works, and improve my personal and social skills. Also, I find I prefer more 'hands on' and practical approach to learning, which this apprenticeship involves. A perk of doing this apprenticeship is earning a decent wage whilst gaining a respected qualification.

How was your experience of joining Hammersmith & Fulham Council?
My experience with H&F council so far has been fantastic. The high levels of support and communication, from inductions courses to weekly wellbeing sessions, makes working here enjoyable.

What have you learned since the start of your apprenticeship?
Since starting my apprenticeship, I have learnt many new skills, as well as ways to develop my current skill set. It has also helped me set personal goals and a career plan. Once I have completed my apprenticeship, I would have been taught a variety of topics from personal development to the fundamentals of an organisation and business.

How do you manage working and learning at the same time?
Organisation and communicate are key to managing the demand of work and academic studying at the same time. At my monthly meetings with my apprenticeship trainer, I set realistic deadlines for studying topics and completing modules. With management at work I discuss and keep them updated on my progress of my studies. This allows them to allocate me the right time and support required. In addition, motivation and support from friends and family are also needed to make it achievable.

What kind of support do you get whilst on your apprenticeship?
With the apprenticeship provider, they offer great online resources that help inspire and support me through my studies. My apprenticeship trainer supports me by having a one to one monthly session with me. This is so we can review and discuss my studies, as well as set me new tasks to complete before our next session. My management and co-workers offer a lot of support as well, from helping me provide evidence for my studies to arranging time aside for me to complete my tasks. The apprenticeship team at the council also provide support by holding monthly meetings with all apprentices within the council. This is great for us to share our ideas and experiences and support each other.

What would you say where was the biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
The pandemic of COVID-19 has been my biggest challenge so far. This unexpectedly increased my workload and meant my one to one meeting with my trainer had to become virtual instead of face-to-face. Considering it should have been a very stressful time, due to all the support I received I managed through it. Management supported me by constantly checking in on my wellbeing and helped me cope with the demands of work and studying. Another big challenge for me was taking on a job in a field I had never tried before. During my first week I experienced information overload. I was meeting many new people, getting to grips with the new role and environment, and had colleagues explaining what they do whilst using words and software I was not familiar with. With all of this, I realised the most important thing was to listen and ask questions. No question is ever too silly and the more questions you ask, the quicker you understand and learn.

Would you recommend an apprenticeship to your friends and family? If so, what advice would you give them?
I would highly recommend an apprenticeship. You gain so many different skills and experiences from the workplace and the course you study. One thing I was surprised at, was the responsibility you are given. Before doing an apprenticeship, I thought it would be 'making cups of teas' and the little jobs, however this is not the case. With the support of the team you become a valued member in the workplace. My advice would be to research, research and research. There are so many different apprenticeships available, covering a wide range of careers. Read into the job descriptions and see what one would suit you most. Also choose one with a qualification that will help you progress with your future career goal.

What would you like to do next in your career after the apprenticeship?
I would like to stay within the Registration Office field, as doing this apprenticeship has made me realised how much I enjoy doing this job. However, with the qualification I gain, I have the option of trying out other careers within the business admin field as well.

Busayo Epega

HR Support Apprentice, People and Talent (Resources)

My experience has been really great and my team were extremely welcoming from my very first day. I also got the opportunity to find out the roles and responsibilities of my colleagues and how I can assist them. I have learnt great deal both in terms of technical knowledge.

Upon completing my apprenticeship, I hope to secure a permanent position with the council and begin working my way up to HR Advisor."

Read more about Busayo's experiences

Who are you and what apprenticeship are you on?
My name is Busayo, I work in People and Talent currently on the HR Support Level 3 Apprenticeship

Why did you apply to be an apprentice within the council?
I had wanted to build a career within my chosen field and felt working for the council would be perfect place to do so. The fact that my commute to the office is only a 15 minute walk from my house is also a bonus

How was your experience of joining Hammersmith & Fulham Council?
Really great, my team were extremely welcoming from my very first day. I also got the opportunity to find out the roles and responsibilities of my colleagues and how I can assist them

What have you learned since the start of your apprenticeship?
That I only need to worry about things that are in my control. As long as I have done my part to ensure a task is complete that is all that matters.

How do you manage working and learning at the same time?
I usually set myself the assigned one day a week where I focus on completing my assignments. Should we become busy and this is not possible, I usually spend my free time completing assignments

What kind of support do you get whilst on your apprenticeship?
I have weekly 1-2-1 catch ups to discuss focus points for the week ahead as well as areas I could improve on. Also, if there is anything I am unsure about, there is always someone in hand in my team to help. This is very handy when it comes to completing assignments.

What would you say where was the biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
Learning how to interpret data and use excel spreadsheets. Figures have never been my strong point so I have had to make I utilise the Learning Zone to brush up my knowledge and take on tasks where I could practice using this knowledge

Would you recommend an apprenticeship to your friends and family? If so, what advice would you give them?
Definitely, I have learnt great deal both in terms of technical knowledge. My best piece of advice would be act like a sponge and soak up everything you learn.

What would you like to do next in your career after the apprenticeship?
Upon completing my apprenticeship, I hope to secure a permanent position with the council and begin working my way up to HR Advisor, then Consultant and eventually become a HR Business Partner.

Maria Pircea

Business Support Apprentice, Business Support Team (Economy)

The biggest challenge for me for that was the first time working in the office and that English is not my first language. I was scared that maybe I will not understand, and I didn't want to disappoint my manager. I am very thankful that they were very supportive and ensured me not be scared and to ask for help if I need.

I would 100% recommend an apprenticeship to my friends and family. It is a great opportunity where you can earn and learn. You have the chance to grow and build your career."

Read more about Maria's experiences

Who are you and what apprenticeship are you on?
My name is Maria Georgiana Pircea and I am currently working on the Business Support apprenticeship for the Economy Department. I've started on the 03rd February 2020 and I am also working my way towards becoming a fully qualified Business support officer at the council.

Why did you apply to be an apprentice within the council?
Since I've moved to London in 2015, I have been working in hospitality, where I've gained great customer service. In all this time, I was looking for new opportunities but was not that easy as I was expecting. I have a degree in Political Science and when I spotted the apprenticeship opportunity on the council's website, I was very happy. I knew is a great opportunity as I live in Shepherd's Bush and where you earn as you learn.

How was your experience of joining Hammersmith & Fulham Council?
I found the hiring process very easy as I was guided by a very supportive HR team, answering all the questions that I had. I was not successful in the first instance, but I had the amazing opportunity to be part of the Talent Pool. When they had a new position available, I only had to do the interview and after couple of days I was informed that I was successful. The hiring process took one month but I was very happy for this opportunity and excited to start.

What have you learned since the start of your apprenticeship?
I've learned to be more confident and never give up. I was very lucky to be part of a very supportive team who welcomed me from the first instance. I have learned how the council works, the priorities and how important is to work with the residents to have a prosper borough. I have learned how to deliver effective support to the Strategic Director for the Economy and Assistant Directors and to set-up supplier, raise purchase orders and approve invoices. I am also working towards my Business Admin Level 3 course.

How do you manage working and learning at the same time?
I agreed with my manager one day a week where I only focus on my course. My manager is very supportive, and I manage well doing my work tasks and course. I am getting regular monthly contact with my trainer, all online due to Covid19. We are still at the beginning, doing maths and English and understanding how to build my portfolio.

What kind of support do you get whilst on your apprenticeship?
I am thankful that my manager is very supportive, she is calling me every morning to do a small briefing and to check the tasks that we have for that day. This is helping me to prioritise better because we are working from home. Every month I have the meeting with my trainer, and we have a meeting with all the apprentice, which I think is great because we have the chance to see how my colleagues are doing and how is the course going for them.
The team is offering me all the support that I need.

What would you say where was the biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge for me for that was the first time working in the office and that English is not my first language. I was scared that maybe I will not understand, and I didn't want to disappoint my manager. I am very thankful that they were very supportive and ensured me not be scared and to ask for help if I need.

Would you recommend an apprenticeship to your friends and family? If so, what advice would you give them?
100% yes. It is a great opportunity where you can earn and learn. You have the chance to grow and build your career. My advice is to keep trying if they are not successful in the first instance.

What would you like to do next in your career after the apprenticeship?
After the apprenticeship, I hope to get my Level 3 Business Admin and maybe I will have the chance to continue to grow and working for the council.

Elleanne Nicolaou-Jones

Business Support Apprentice

Making sure I stay motivated to complete my course work; work can become quite intense and busy which can make you want to postpone doing course work. It's important to stay motivated and keep the end goal in site which is gaining a qualification."

Read more about Elle's experiences

Who are you and what apprenticeship are you on?
My name is Elle and I took a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship in the council's job brokerage team WorkZone.

Why did you apply to be an apprentice within the council?
I wanted to start a career in administration, however I only had a small amount of experience and no qualifications in the sector. When I came across the H&F apprenticeships, I was eager to apply for the apprenticeship as I would be able to gain real life experience as well as a qualification, creating better chances of me securing a full-time job in my chosen career.

How was your experience of joining Hammersmith & Fulham Council?
The application process was easy and straightforward relieving some of the stress that comes with filling out large application forms.
On joining the council everyone was very warm and welcoming and helped me settle into my apprenticeship quickly.

What have you learned since the start of your apprenticeship?
I have learnt how to be more organised and prioritise my work load along with being more confident and independent.

How do you manage working and learning at the same time?
Myself and manager agreed that at the beginning of each week I will go through my calendar and book out slots for me to do my course work, this makes everyone else in my team aware that I'm unavailable during these times.

What kind of support do you get whilst on your apprenticeship?
I receive support from all of my colleagues, they help me with my day to day tasks as well as my apprenticeship work.
My assessor supports me via email and telephone when I need support and helping with my course work.
A member of the council from a different department has been allocated as my mentor, we speak once a month and they help me with my professional growth.

What would you say where was the biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
Making sure I stay motivated to complete my course work; work can become quite intense and busy which can make you want to postpone doing course work. It's important to stay motivated and keep the end goal in site which is gaining a qualification.

Would you recommend an apprenticeship to your friends and family? If so, what advice would you give them?
I would recommend an apprenticeship to family and friends as it is a great way to meet people, network a gain experience as well as a qualification.
I would advise people thinking about an apprenticeship to be organised stay focused and take advantage of all the opportunities that are available to them.

What would you like to do next in your career after the apprenticeship?
I have really enjoyed working in the council's job brokerage team, supporting and helping residents into employment. I hope to continue my career in the job brokerage sector and become a full-time job brokerage officer.

Kamal Motalib

Manager of an apprentice (Elleanne Nicolaou-Jones), Interim Head of Economic Development (Economy)

I hired an apprentice to support with capacity issues and to ensure that our staff are more representative of the communities we serve. The team that Elle works in is on the front line of supporting our residents to access employment, apprenticeships, careers and skills support so its really important that our staff have lived experience and can relate to the residents that we are working with. I also strongly believe that apprentices add real value to the organisation."

Read more about why Kamal believes apprentices add value

Who are you and what do you do?
Kamal Motalib, Head of Economic Development.

Why did you hire an apprentice within your team?
To support with capacity issues and to ensure that our staff are more representative of the communities we serve. The team that Elle works in is on the front line of supporting our residents to access employment, apprenticeships, careers and skills support so its really important that our staff have lived experience and can relate to the residents that we are working with. I also strongly believe that apprentices add real value to the organisation.

How was the process of hiring an apprentice?
Very straightforward as Elle was already in the candidate pool and we had fantastic support from PT colleagues.

What benefits has hiring an apprentice brought to you and your team?
Elle has bought fresh perspectives in terms of how we support our residents, she has been incredibly proactive and helped us develop new ways of working. It also provides us an opportunity to 'practice what we preach' when we engage with employers.

How did you hear about the apprenticeship scheme?
Through PT and our business partner.

How did the 'off the job' training work for you and your apprentice?
This has been achieved by including Elle in external meeting with employers and facilitating shadowing of various colleagues and teams including our business engagement team- Elle books out time at the beginning of the week to ensure that she has time to do the coursework associated with her apprenticeship. Off the job training has broadened Elle's skills and experience.

Would you recommend hiring an apprentice to other managers in the council?
Absolutely- Apprenticeships are vital to support the diversification of the current workforce and also to ensure that local people are given the opportunity to start meaning full careers in local government.

Numi Bubabunmi

Data Analyst Apprentice, Business Intelligence Unit (Finance)

Having worked here at London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (LBHF) as a volunteer for four months, when I saw there was an opportunity for employment and development here as an apprentice, I was excited about joining a team that works with data on a wider perspective and transforms lives by utilising data analysis which can help make a difference in society."

Read more about Numi's experiences
Who are you and what apprenticeship are you on?
Hi, my name is Numi Bababunmi. I am currently on the Data Analysis apprenticeship scheme with APM Project Management qualification in the Business Intelligence Team at H&F.

Why did you apply to be an apprentice within the council?
I was in and out of work and seeking some stability within my career.
Having worked here at London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (LBHF) as a volunteer for four months, when I saw there was an opportunity for employment and development here as an apprentice, I was excited about joining a team that works with data on a wider perspective and transforms lives by utilising data analysis which can help make a difference in society. I relished the opportunity to work for an organisation where I believe that I can contribute to the council's services and the society as well as fulfil my potential as a Data Analyst.
I was also impressed with the organisations mission statement, culture and values especially with the services that LBHF provides. I believe LBHF would help me develop my career in the right direction and give me the opportunity to be part of an organisation that strives to solve problems for its residents.
At first, I was not entirely sure if this was what I wanted especially taking into consideration the pay grade, however I was looking for a position that would give me 'hands on' industry experience and the chance to train and develop whilst working.

How was your experience of joining Hammersmith & Fulham Council?
It has been an amazing experience. My colleagues have been helpful and welcoming throughout my stay here at the council and it has also been a huge experience to work here due to diversity of people you interact with everyday.

What have you learned since the start of your apprenticeship?
I have learnt a lot during the time of my apprenticeship and greatly expanded my profession as well as personal skills. I am not sure where to start from to be honest. I have built up my confidence, presentation skills, learnt a lot about how and what the council does and how to communicate with different levels of staff, gained a lot of skills that are transferable to other lines of work. I have also wider developed my technical skills and learnt how to gather, store and stans form data with accordance to the guidance and data protections laws as well as extract information and present those to various audiences and stake holders in the most appropriate manner.

How do you manage working and learning at the same time?
It's difficult, especially because I graduated from university 15 years ago, so having to work and study at the same time has been a bit tough especially when you have other responsibilities however with the support, guidance and advice from my colleagues, training officers and commitment from my line managers, I have managed to maintain a balance with studying and work.

What kind of support do you get whilst on your apprenticeship?
Mentoring, I have regular one to ones with my line manager and on-going training on some of the tools that we utilise within the team. My team works in the agile way and follows scrum network which ensures a close collaboration between members of the team and solution-based approach to problems. Every fortnight we share what we have learnt and how we can further improve our products, processes and teamwork.

What would you say where was the biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
I have never worked in central government before: everything was new to me. So, I have had to learn so much about the work we do for schools, children services, education and adult services has been tough, it has been quite challenging however it's been worth it and very rewarding. It is quite fascinating to see how all these processes run and join together for the benefit of the local community and wider society.

Would you recommend an apprenticeship to your friends and family? If so, what advice would you give them?
1. Do not think about your age and the salary benefits, sometimes in life you have to go back to drawing board and start afresh again, just look at it as an experience and potential to learn.
2. Unfortunately, you do have to make some sacrifices, but life is all about challenges and learning.
3. Take it as an opportunity to build up skills that include team working, how to communicate, display empathy, organisational skills, time management, project management etc. There are not many jobs out there especially in the private sector that would allow you the opportunity to learn and work at the same time.
4. Don't be afraid to ask for help, everyone in your team is there to help you out.
What would you like to do next in your career after the apprenticeship?
I really enjoyed working at Hammersmith & Fulham. Hopefully stay with the council and build a rewarding career as a Business Intelligence Analyst or look out for other avenues where I can apply the skills that I have picked up here.

More interviews and blogs