Ealing Council Apprentice Scheme Leads to Glastonbury
Existing jobs and skills service aims to support local businesses
Myles switched careers to explore his passion for music. Picture: Ealing Council
December 3, 2025
Ealing Council has unveiled a new jobs and skills service designed to connect local employers with apprentices and help residents access meaningful career opportunities. The Ealing Borough Apprenticeship Scheme (EBAS) aims to boost economic growth by placing skilled, well-supported apprentices with businesses across the borough.
The initiative comes in response to rising youth unemployment and growing demand for apprenticeships. It builds on the council’s own apprenticeship programme, which has placed 360 apprentices since 2007, and forms part of a wider commitment to secure 10,000 new jobs in Ealing by 2026.
One of the first apprentices to benefit is Myles, 28, who switched careers from animal science to pursue his passion for music. Through EBAS, he joined Entec, a local audio company, as a live event technician apprentice. His role has included testing and preparing equipment for tours and working on-site at major events.
Myles described helping set up the audio system for Glastonbury’s Other Stage as a highlight of his career so far. “You can teach someone the theory and give them some skills,” he said, “but real experience – being right at the heart of the action – is what makes the difference.”
EBAS operates on a membership basis, offering packages ranging from a free bronze tier to more comprehensive support. Depending on membership level, businesses can access:
- Skills gap analysis and workforce planning advice
- Free apprenticeship training funded through the council’s levy transfer scheme
- Recruitment services at competitive rates
- Pastoral support for apprentices
- Opportunities to join events and awards celebrating local success
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, cabinet member for decent living incomes, said, “Two of our biggest priorities are helping residents build great careers and supporting businesses to thrive. Apprenticeships are a powerful way to do both – opening doors for learning and earning, while providing employers with skilled, motivated staff.”
While EBAS has been welcomed by employers such as Entec, questions remain about how widely businesses will take up the scheme and whether apprenticeships alone can address long-term challenges in the local labour market. Nationally, apprenticeship numbers have fluctuated in recent years, and some small businesses have expressed concern about the administrative burden of managing placements.
Nevertheless, Ealing Council hopes EBAS will make apprenticeships easier to access and strengthen ties between employers and residents. The scheme also aligns with London-wide efforts to expand skills provision and improve employment prospects for young people.
Businesses interested in joining the programme can find more information at www.goodforealing.com/ebas.
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