The Employment, Business and Skills Team
Operational contact: Zaid Al-Sayyah: Zaid.Al-Sayyah@walthamforest.gov.uk
Senior Contact: Iona McArdle: Iona.McArdle@walthamforest.gov.uk
What does the EBS team do?
Construction is one of the key sectors LBWF‘s Employment Brokerage service focus on, linking jobs to Waltham Forest residents and helping to build a strong local work force in the Construction industry. Our support is tailored specifically to each and every one of our service users, creating a more personable approach.
Who do we service?
- We provide our unemployed non-skilled residents with training opportunities, offering them employability when required, and work with relevant organisations to ensure they get the support they need.
- We also connect our skilled residents to local jobs, ensuring they have priority over non-residents with regards to jobs and opportunities in the borough.
- We help prepare our residents for work wherever they are at in their journey when they come to us, which can mean upskilling, but normally it simply means offering them opportunities we, as the local authority, have access to.
- Whilst serving the community, we are also supporting our local employers and training providers to help all parties achieve their contractual obligations.
- If you need assistance with your social value and s106 obligations, contact us for a chat (emails above).
How is it accessed?
- We have access to Waltham Forest’s largest candidate pool (the Job Centre) and work with various other organisations, such as local colleges and training providers, as well as using digital communications for specific campaigns, all with the same goal in common, which is to support borough residents into quality and sustainable employment.
- We can also be found on the Council’s website and residents can make self-referrals.
- We are due to launch a new jobs portal in the first quarter of 2022-23.
How do we get results?
We source and engage:
- Employers with demand for that role- to interview and employ candidates.
- Trainers specialised in that role- to upskill and prepare Candidates for employment.
- Candidates with the right motivation and skills- to succeed and benefit from training and employment in that role.
- At rapid pace- to create a reinforcing cycle of increasing confidence, engagement and scale.
- We have a direct route to residents in the borough seeking employment, who are qualified, suitable and ready for an immediate start. We continue to support our residents once they have registered with us for support, which allows us to build a good solid database and referral stream of our own.
Social Value
Key contacts:
Joanna Dahlgren, Social Value & SROI Lead: Joanna.dahlgren@walthamforest.gov.uk
How do we count / promote apprenticeships in back-office functions within construction e.g. HR, business admin, resident liaison?
The Social Value team book in meetings with developers following the forum to discuss SV commitments and this includes the promotion of apprenticeships, particularly within the high degree level. We are currently having these conversations to ensure developers are aware on how they can include apprenticeships within their projects, in particular those that have made commitments against this measure.
Can you provide info on special projects opportunities regarding social value?
Special projects are being used within conversations to ensure contractors/developers are aware of this and how they can go about to incorporate this measure within the Social Value Delivery Plans.
Local Training Providers and Support with Work Placements – support to achieve s106 and Social Value commitments
There are 2 main training providers in the borough that deliver training in Apprenticeships and qualifications in the sector. They could also support with work placements and work experience.
London Academy of Sustainable Construction
Key contact:
Sara Calvo, Business Development Manager: scalvo@simian-risk.com
Waltham Forest College
Key contacts:
Nadeem Khalifa, Director of Business Innovation and Partnerships: Nadeem.Khalifa@waltham.ac.uk
Melissa Mann, Head of Operations: Melissa.Mann@waltham.ac.uk
Apprenticeships
The length of an apprenticeship is detailed in the Apprenticeship Framework which can be found on the apprenticeships website. Where possible, we expect all apprenticeships to complete their courses (or employers to make best efforts to do so). This makes good business sense for the employer and for the sector that desperately needs a new talent pipeline given the number of vacancies and an aging workforce.
You can utilise your company’s apprenticeship levy payment to pay for the training and the employer pays for the salary and travel expenses. If you do not pay the levy you can draw down other company’s unused levy.
Contact Waltham Forest College or LASC to discuss Apprenticeships in more detail.
You can advertise apprenticeship vacancies on the national Apprenticeship website. To get the best chance of getting local labour candidates, please contact Zaid Al-Sayyah, Opportunities Programme Manager: Zaid.Al-Sayyah@walthamforest.gov.uk.
Where possible, the Council encourages developers / contractors to consider higher level apprenticeships, to meet the needs of the current and future workforce.