Apprenticeships have just as much value as college and university courses. That was the official line coming out of Islington Council this morning, when it called for recruitment of apprentices to be aligned with the academic year.

The council claims it would “challenge perceptions of apprenticeships as a ‘plan B’ for young people who do not progress into higher education”.

It came as 11 new apprentices, began work with the council’s housing repairs team as schools and colleges returned from the summer holidays. Roles include plumbers and electricians.

Two other young people have also started apprenticeships in commercial property development and civil engineering.

Cllr Asima Shaikh, Islington’s economic development leader, said: “We owe it to our young people to make sure they get the support to capably and confidently pursue their ambitions and get the careers they deserve.

“There have long since been countless calls to push for a parity of esteem between vocational and academic education for our young people.

“Aligning apprenticeship recruitment with the academic year is significant step towards this. It provides talented youngsters with a smooth step up, straightaway, to the next rung on their chosen career ladder, instead of a break in the process delaying their progress.”

For more information about Islington Council apprenticeships, visit adultlearning.islington.gov.uk/