Engineering trainee starts new role thanks to partnership‏

Ali Gunesh, 19 from Clerkenwell, secured the position at Conisbee after applying for the role advertised by the council’s Business Employment Support Team (BEST). This traineeship is a work-based training plan, allowing Ali to learn while working. As well as training and working as an engineering technician he will attend university one day a week to gain an engineering qualification. It is a permanent position with the company and they will pay for his university costs. This benefits Conisbee as well as Ali as apprentices and trainees tend to be eager, motivated, flexible and loyal. Ali, who has been at his placement for one month said: "I feel really lucky that a teacher from the Islington Sixth Form Consortium told me about this. "Before starting here I completed a foundation course in Engineering so I know it is what I want to do. "However working as well as studying suits me better as I feel I am gaining a greater understanding of the industry." BEST worked with the company to find a suitable candidate. BEST has a strong partnership with Islington Sustainable Energy Partnership (ISEP) where Tim Attwood, a Director of Conisbee, is co-chair. 

Islington Council Leader Richard Watts said: "This traineeship is a great way for us to help a young person get a start in the industry where they want to work.

"The council strives to help local people into local jobs, through working with businesses and schools we hope to continue to get young people into these roles where they can build a solid career."

Tim Attwood at Conisbee said: "We are very happy to have Ali as part of the team. He was an outstanding candidate from a strong list provided to us by BEST.

"It is even better that he is local, and I am delighted that we can help a local young person start their career."

Paul Smith, Principal of IC6 said "We are obviously really thrilled at Ali’s success. He was a great IC6 student with a really strong academic profile.

"This opportunity demonstrates the fantastic work done by the Business Employment Support Team at Islington Council, and underlines the real benefits of close education and business community collaboration, especially with award-winning businesses such as Conisbee.