From first jobs to career changes and specialist support, Islington Council’s employment services are helping residents take confident steps towards good, secure work — whatever their background or circumstances. 

Supporting people at every stage  

Each year, thousands of   Islington residents take steps towards a new job, a better role, or a fresh start. The council’s employment services are designed to support people at every stage of their working life —. whether they are just starting out, returning to work after a break, changing careers or facing challenges that make job‑seeking more difficult,  

From iWork to specialist programmes like Connect to Work, support is local, free and tailored to individual needs. Friendly advisors work alongside residents to help them build confidence, develop skills and access opportunities that lead to sustainable employment.  

iWork: support that starts with you

Islington’s iWork service supports people who are out of work, or in low‑paid roles, to move into jobs that match their skills and ambitions. Advisers offer one‑to‑one support, helping with CV’s, applications and interview preparation, while also building confidence and motivation. Strong partnerships with employers across the borough mean residents can access good‑quality jobs close to home. Through the Islington Working partnership, iWork also connects people to apprenticeships, training and specialist support that can open up new routes into employment and progression. 

Connect to Work: personalised help when people need it

Connect to Work offers personalised employment support for people who may need extra help because of a disability, long‑term health condition or other circumstances affecting their job search. Advisers work at a pace that feels right for each individual, offering support with workplace adjustments, interview confidence or practical steps towards finding the right role. The programme is designed to be flexible, ensuring people can move forward in a way that works for them. 

Helping young people find their next step

For many young people, deciding what comes next after school or college can feel overwhelming. Islington’s Youth Employment Hubs offers specialist support for 16–25‑year‑olds, helping them explore different careers, apply for apprenticeships, access  training  or step into their first job. Support is flexible and available to all young people with a connection to the borough.  Strong links with employers and training providers mean advice can quickly turn into real opportunities. 

Trailblazer: unlocking potential for care‑experienced young people

The Trailblazer – Full Potential Programme supports   care‑experienced young people aged 17–25 who are not in education, employment or training. Delivered across all Central London Forward boroughs, including Islington, the programme provides coordinated, personalised support to help young people access training, volunteering and work opportunities aligned with their aspirations. 

Your Choice Programme: paid work that change lives

One of the council’s most impactful youth initiatives, the Your Choice Programme offers paid summer work placements for 16–25‑year‑olds at risk of serious youth violence. Run by a dedicated team, it provides meaningful work experience at a critical point in the year. Since launching in 2022, it has supported 62 young people into paid placements with more than 30 employers. An impressive 95.4% of participants have desisted from crime while 62.9% progressed into education, employment or training. Employers consistently praise participants enthusiasm and potential, with many now return each year to offer further placements. 

Finding the right support

Whether it’s help updating a CV, exploring career options, overcoming barriers or taking the first steps into work, Islington’s employment services offer practical, responsive support shaped around individual l needs. 

To find support, visit www.islington.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/support-finding-work