Unemployed people enrolled as cleaning apprentices

Feb 2011

A new programme has been launched to give unemployed people the chance to become cleaning apprentices.

Up to 40 places are becoming available on the new Cleaning and Support Services Apprenticeship for railway cleaning staff at Transport for London.

The apprenticeship was developed by Asset Skills in partnership with employers to improve skills levels among cleaners and raise awareness of the essential work they do.

The programme is being launched by facilities and cleaning services firm Initial Facilities Services, Transport Sector, with support from the Greater London Authority (GLA) Group's Supplier Skills Team.

The first cohort of 20 candidates, who are currently employed with Initial,  enrolled onto the programme at a launch event held during National Apprenticeship Week.

A further 20 unemployed people will also be recruited as apprentices and Initial will continue to recruit on to the programme over the following months.

The scheme is being run in a partnership between Jobcentre Plus, the National Apprenticeship Service and the GLA's Supplier Skills Team with Initial Facilities Services.