Creating Apprenticeships in Haringey!

Posted on 23rd Sep 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Here’s my latest Muswell Flyer article (originally written in August) on Apprenticeships in Haringey. Since the event – companies have been in touch to let me know that they have now taken on young people they met at the event!

I was so happy when I got my first job with a small design and advertising company in the West End – and my first pay packet. I remember feeling so grown up as I caught the tube to work along with the rest of the world. That sense of somewhere to be and something to do has always been incredibly important to me – as it is to everyone.

And that sums up why we work. It pays the bills, gives us purpose and fulfilment, and provides security for our long term futures.

That’s why it’s particularly important for young people leaving schools or universities to have options available to them. We have so many talented and ambitious young adults here in Haringey, and should be doing all we can to give them the best chance to succeed – which will benefit our economy too.

But – it’s not long since youth unemployment was rising fast under Labour, leaving so many young people without the opportunity to get on in life.

That’s why creating more jobs – particularly for young people – during these tough economic times is top of the Lib Dem’s list of priorities.

Our focus on this is working. Here in Hornsey and Wood Green, youth unemployment has fallen by a third – and 530 new apprenticeships have been created since 2010 too.

But we want to go even further. That’s why I decided to put words into action, and hosted an apprenticeship event at Haringey Civic Centre, in tandem with Wood Green Jobcentre plus. The aim was to match up employers looking for apprentices with young people looking for apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships are a great way to kick start a career. They take between one and four years to complete and combine practical training in a job with study. That means you get paid to study and learn a trade, whilst also being able to make contacts in an industry.

It was a really fantastic afternoon. The event was attended by 18 organisations – including Barclays, Tottenham Hotspurs and the National Apprenticeship Company – and packed with over 130 of Haringey’s young people, who were keen to find out more about the hundreds of apprenticeship opportunities on offer.

Gordon Birtwistle MP – the Government Apprenticeship Ambassador – was also present to discuss the value of apprenticeships and to meet the young people and companies.

I will be keeping in touch with the people and organisations who attended so we can track how many apprenticeships have been created as a result. I’ll also certainly be hosting more of these events in the future.

In the meantime, if you or someone you know wants any further information about apprenticeships, just email me on lynne@lynnefeatherstone.org and ask!

Lynne Featherstone MP welcomes further fall in unemployment

Posted on 19th Sep 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP has today welcomed news that unemployment in her constituency has fallen again.

In Hornsey and Wood Green, there are now 800 less people claiming Job Seekers Allowance than when the Liberal Democrats entered Government in 2010.

Youth unemployment in the constituency has also plummeted – down from 7.8% in May 2010 to 4.8% now.

Creating jobs is a Liberal Democrat priority. Since 2010, the Liberal Democrats in Government have helped businesses create over 1 million private sector jobs, and have helped create 1.2 million apprenticeships. There are now more apprentices than ever before and 86% more than under Labour.

Locally, Liberal Democrat MP Lynne Featherstone has helped create new apprenticeships, by organising an event for local young people to meet companies offering apprenticeships.

Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“Work is so important to individuals and families. It pays the bills, gives us purpose and fulfilment, and provides security for our long term futures.

“That’s why I’m so pleased to see unemployment falling – particularly in Hornsey and Wood Green! For two years now, unemployment has fallen month after month here, including a massive drop in youth unemployment.

“In Government and locally the Lib Dems will keep working hard to reduce unemployment, which in turn will help build a stronger economy and create a fairer society – enabling everyone to get on in life.”

Local independents on national TV!

Posted on 16th Sep 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Last night, at 7.55 pm, Channel 4 aired a short video of me visiting some of Hornsey and Wood Green’s finest independent shops, and talking about the local Lib Dem campaign for 30 minutes free parking.

The shops are Big Green Bookshop of Wood Green, Crocodile Antiques of Muswell Hill, and Dunn’s of Crouch End.

You can watch the video here:

More apprenticeships created in Haringey!

Posted on 4th Sep 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

New apprenticeships have been created in Haringey, following an apprenticeship event hosted by Lynne Featherstone MP.

The MP for Hornsey and Wood Green hosted the event on the 14^th August at Haringey Civic Centre, so that Haringey youngsters could meet companies with apprenticeship vacancies and find out more about how to apply.

The event was attended by around 20 employers (with over 500 opportunities between them) and 130 young people looking for apprenticeships.

Since the event, the companies have confirmed that they have taken on some of Haringey’s young people as apprentices. The North London Garages group, who offer apprenticeships in the motor industry, enrolled one of the people who attended the event onto their programme the day after.

Youth unemployment in the Liberal Democrat MP’s constituency has fallen from 7.1% in May 2010 to 4.9% as of July 2013.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat MP Lynne Featherstone said:

“This is fantastic news. These new apprentices have kick-started their career, and are getting paid to learn a trade. They will also get qualifications too – an advanced level apprenticeship is equivalent to two A-level passes, and others can lead to the attainment of a Foundation Degree.

“Many local residents have been emailing me since the event asking for more information. I am happy to provide more info on apprenticeships – and the companies offering them. I will also certainly be holding similar events in the future and will keep everyone informed.”

Lynne Featherstone MP hosts packed Apprenticeship Event

Posted on 16th Aug 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

View the photo album here.

Lynne Featherstone MP on Wednesday hosted a packed apprenticeships event at Haringey Civic Centre, in tandem with Wood Green Jobcentre Plus.

The event was attended by 18 organisations and over 130 of Haringey’s young people, who were keen to find out more about the hundreds of apprenticeship opportunities on offer.

Many took part in workshops with the London Apprenticeship Company, the National Apprenticeship Service and Barclays – to get specific advice on making applications.

The Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey and Wood Green opened the event with a speech – highlighting that youth unemployment in her constituency was down, and that 530 new apprenticeships have been created since 2010.

Gordon Birtwistle MP – the Government Apprenticeship Ambassador – was also present to discuss the value of apprenticeships and to meet the young people and companies.

Tracey Longhurst from the Barclays Early Careers team said:

“This was a great event with dozens of young people talking to us about opportunities within the Barclays Apprenticeship Programme.

“There was genuine surprise from some of them when they heard that we don’t ask for formal qualifications and are simply looking for the right attitude and potential. Others could not believe that Barclays paid for you to work and study for a degree through our school leaver, Barclays Degree Programme.

“I am confident that some of the people who we spoke to will be applying for jobs with us.”

Government Apprenticeship Ambassador Gordon Birtwistle MP said:

“I was absolutely delighted to be able to go along to this fantastic event that focused on apprenticeships. It was well organised with some fantastic companies there and it was good to see so many people there making the most of the information available.

“Apprenticeships are the way forward. They provide on-the-job training and offer a wage with a career at the end of it. There are a lot of young people under pressure to go to university and study subjects for which there is a shortage of jobs.

“The careers fair in Haringey was a fantastic idea to show young people that there are alternatives and many opportunities that out there and how to apply for them. It was wonderful to see my colleague Lynne reaching out to all these young people in her constituency with this great apprenticeship fair.”

James Snelling, Acting Jobcentre Operations Manager for the London Boroughs of Haringey and Islington

“We were thrilled to be able to partner with the Local MP and providers to co-deliver this successful Apprenticeship event and showcase to Haringey’s young people the wide range of opportunities available from our partners and employers.”

Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“It’s fantastic that so many of Haringey’s youngsters came to the event to find out more about the great apprenticeship opportunities available to them.

“The organisations did a great job exhibiting their apprenticeships, and I’d also like to thank Gordon Birtwistle MP for coming along and offering his expertise on apprenticeships and their benefits to everyone.

“I will be keeping in touch with the people and organisations who attended so we can track how many apprenticeships have been created as a result of the event.”

Looking for work? Apprenticeship event tomorrow!

Posted on 13th Aug 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

The apprenticeship event I’ve organised will take place tomorrow, 14^th August, between 2pm – 6pm at Haringey Civic Centre, High Road, Wood Green, London, N22 8LE.

We have around 20 companies and organisations confirmed to exhibit their apprenticeship opportunities – with well over 500 vacant positions between them.

The companies include: Barclays, Tottenham Hotspurs, National Apprenticeship Service and London Apprenticeship Company.

There will also be workshops to give advice on how to apply for the apprenticeships. This is a great chance to make contact with companies and get expert advice on finding the best apprenticeship for you .

Apprenticeships are a great way to kick start careers – by gaining experience and contacts in an industry and getting paid to learn a trade.

I hope as many of Haringey’s young and out-of-work people will come down and see what’s on offer.

The Government Apprenticeship Ambassador to Business, Gordon Birtwistle MP will also be there, and will make a speech.

If you’re a young person, a parent, looking for work, or looking to try something different, please do come along and find out more!

Putting Words into Action with Apprenticeships!

Posted on 12th Aug 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Here’s my latest Ham and High Column about the apprenticeship event I’m hosting on Wednesday….

A few columns ago, I wrote about the importance of young people getting into work, and how creating one million new jobs was the Liberal Democrat’s top priority in Government.

This month, I am doing my bit to put these words into action. On Wednesday 14^th August, I am hosting an event at the Civic Centre (between 2pm and 6pm) to match up young or unemployed people in Haringey with companies and agencies offering apprenticeships.

People who attend will get the chance to meet the companies and ask for information on their apprenticeship opportunities, and advice on how to apply.

We have a number of companies already confirmed – including Barclays, Kruger Associates and Diversity in Visual Arts. There will also be companies with greater emphasis on manufacturing and manual apprenticeships.

These companies are actively recruiting – so you may even be able to fill out an application form on the day.

The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London – along with other training groups – will be there with information on the wide range of apprenticeships that they are advertising.

There will also be some workshops available, for people to get some advice on applications, writing CVs, and money management. I will be there talking about starting your own business – something I did myself many years ago.

Lynne Featherstone MP on apprenticeship visit to Queenswoods GP practice, here with Sue Welsh from the National Apprenticeship Service, Paul Head from College of Haringey and the two apprentices Bianca and Louise, Crouch End, in June 2011 I have been working in tandem with Wood Green Jobcentre Plus, to make sure the event is a success and as helpful as possible to Haringey residents.

The Government Ambassador for Apprenticeships, Gordon Birtwistle MP, will also be there to talk with both businesses and the people looking for an apprenticeship.

Hopefully – this will be the first step for many people in securing an apprenticeship – maybe even with one of the companies at the event!

An apprenticeship is a great way to kick start a career. They take between one and four years to complete and combine practical training in a job with study. That means you get paid to study and learn a trade, whilst also being able to make contacts in an industry.

And you get a qualification too – an advanced level apprenticeship is equivalent to two A level passes, and others can lead to the attainment of a Foundation Degree!

So if you are a young person, unemployed or looking for a new challenge, do come down to the Civic Centre (High Road, Wood Green, London, N22 8LE) on the 14^th August between 2pm and 6pm to meet employers and find out more!

Lynne Featherstone MP and Jobcentre Plus announce local apprenticeship event

Posted on 29th Jul 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Local MP Lynne Featherstone has teamed up with Jobcentre Plus to run an apprenticeship event in her constituency of Hornsey and Wood Green.

The event will introduce young people to a range of apprenticeships and companies that are offering these opportunities. Companies will be giving out information on their apprenticeship opportunities at the event, and also holding free workshops to give people advice with their applications.

The Government Apprenticeship Ambassador to Business, Gordon Birtwistle MP, will be present at the event and will make speech.

Since 2010, 530 new apprenticeships have been created in Hornsey and Wood Green, and youth unemployment has fallen by over a quarter. The Liberal Democrat MP and Jobcentre Plus both want to help reduce unemployment further, and continue to increase the number of young people entering apprenticeships.

The event will take place on Wednesday 14^th August, between 2pm – 6pm at Haringey Civic Centre, High Road, Wood Green, London, N22 8LE.

Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“Creating more jobs and opportunities – particularly for young people – is currently top of the Lib Dem’s list of priorities.

“Any young or unemployed person in Haringey who would like an apprenticeship, or more information on what they involve, should come along to the Civic Centre on the 14^th and find out more.

“It will be a great opportunity for people to get advice, make some contacts, and even secure apprenticeships that will kick start their future career.”

Jessica Hodgson, Operations Manager for Haringey & Islington, Jobcentre Plus commented:

“Apprenticeships are a great way for our local young people to begin their careers and this event is a perfect chance for them to meet employers who have opportunities now.”

Lynne Featherstone MP welcomes fall in unemployment

Posted on 18th Jul 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP has today welcomed the falling levels of unemployment in her constituency of Hornsey and Wood Green, as well as in London and the UK as a whole.

In Hornsey and Wood Green, the number of people currently claiming Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) is 480 lower than in June 2012 and 171 lower than in May 2013.

Figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) also show that unemployment in London dropped by 16,000 since the last quarter. Across the UK, the level of unemployment dropped by 57,000, including a 20,000 drop in youth unemployment.

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“This fall in the number of people claiming JSA is a welcome sign. This drop, combined with the rise in the total number of people in employment, shows that our economy is recovering and people are returning to work.

“This is clearly a positive step forward, but we have to remain focussed on creating jobs and building a stronger economy.

“Jobs are the key building block in creating a stronger economy and fairer society that allows everyone to get on in life. That is why our unrelenting focus will be promoting job creation and encouraging businesses to take on apprentices.”

One Million Jobs

Posted on 2nd Jul 2013 by Lynne Featherstone

Here’s my latest column for the Ham and High – also available on Lib Dem Voice

The Liberal Democrats in Government have helped businesses create over one million jobs. Now we are working to create one million more!

Work is so important to individuals and families in the UK. It pays the bills, gives us purpose and fulfilment, and provides security for our long term futures.

I was so happy when I got my first job with a small design and advertising company in the West End – and my first pay packet. I remember feeling so grown up as I caught the tube to work along with the rest of the world. That sense of a daily somewhere to be and something to do has always been incredibly important to me – as it is to everyone.

Work is particularly important for young people leaving school or university. I regularly visit schools in the local area – and am always so pleased to see youngsters with such ambition and enthusiasm. We should be doing all we can to give them the best chance to succeed – which will benefit our economy too.

But – it’s not long since youth unemployment was rising fast under Labour, leaving so many young people without the opportunity to get on in life.

That’s why creating more jobs – particularly for young people – during these tough economic times is top of the Lib Dem’s list of priorities.

The million jobs we have helped create span a number of different industries. We’ve supported industries such as manufacturing by investing £5.5bn extra into science, high-tech manufacturing and renewable energy – in turn creating thousands of new jobs. £15.3bn has been invested into creating building jobs, which will improve Britain’s roads, railways and housing.

Our strategy is working. On top of the million more private sector jobs, youth unemployment is down. Here in Hornsey and Wood Green, youth unemployment has fallen by over a quarter from May 2010 to now.

Overall unemployment in the constituency is also down from 5.2% to 4.5%.

That means hundreds more people in this constituency have been employed since the Lib Dems entered the Coalition Government!

There has also been great success with apprenticeships. In Hornsey and Wood Green alone, 530 new apprenticeships have been created – so now there are three times as many apprentices as 2010!

In order to create a million more jobs for a stronger economy, we are turning our attention to these apprenticeships, and looking to continue the great work. In short – we want to double the number of businesses that take on apprentices.

I am planning on holding an event in the constituency, which will attempt to match up potential employers with apprentices, helping more of our local youngsters get in to work.

Everyone can get involved in this. Just visit the campaign website at www.amillionjobs.org to register your support for our national campaign for more apprenticeships, and to find out more information.