HILLINGDON Council recently welcomed four new apprentices to their Repairs team.

The apprenticeship scheme will be run in partnership with Uxbridge College

Bradley Ranger, Elmi Lluigiqi, Jason Clark and Alfie Wilson who all come from Hillingdon will spend four days a week working at the council and one day a week at college learning theory and practical skills to achieve apprenticeship qualifications in their chosen trades.

The youngest apprentice Bradley, 16, from West Drayton who attended Stockley Academy will study the Level Three electrical installations apprenticeship.

He was inspired as a child by an electrician who came to fix something at his home.

In the first week he has assisted with fixing a storage heater, light fittings and power sockets.

He hopes to continue working for the council on completion of his course.

Barry Cooper, apprentice manager at Uxbridge College, said: “Uxbridge College is delighted to join Hillingdon Council in supporting its commitment to create opportunities for young people, through its work with schools and colleges.

Councillor Bianco, cabinet member for finance property and business services, said: “It’s important for the council to nurture young, local talent but there is also the need to keep traditional skills alive.

He continued: “Hillingdon’s Repair teams have assigned the apprentices to mentors, experienced Hillingdon employees, who will teach and support them throughout their journey, as they visit council-owned properties to learn their new trades.

“I would like to welcome them to the council and wish them the best of luck.”