For 2024, ApprenticeFutures are teaming up with the London Evening Standard’s Step-Up expo at Olympia (London) where we propose running an ‘ApprenticeFutures’ themed section, specifically for the communication, media and print sectors.
STEP-UP EXPO – Inspiring Teen Choices, 28-29 June 2024 (stepupexpo.co.uk).
For potential exhibitors there is an opportunity for you to promote your company’s apprenticeship scheme and to be involved in the work we do for apprentices and apprenticeships, under our brand name ‘ApprenticeFutures.’
We are very excited about this opportunity, which gives us the chance to engage with far more delegates (7000+) and be part of a bigger careers event that will raise the profile of ApprenticeFutures and yourselves.
If you would like to exhibit at the is event please contact David Wain at David.wain@standard.co.uk who is co-ordinating the Expo and can tell you more about how we plan to run the event within the bigger exhibition.
British Airways apprentice, Casper, currently undertaking an 18-month customer experience programme, which he started aged 20 said
“I’m thoroughly enjoying it,” he says. “Things I do include check ins, working the gates, working in the lounges, doing hosting, and doing connections.”
Casper found out about the apprenticeship from a friend, and since joining the programme at BA, he has gained a skillset that has helped him further his career.
He has enjoyed some of the complex situations that his role can bring, including helping customers who may have mistakenly had their visas terminated.
“I really like working through complex problems. If I’m able to deal with them, it gives me a lot of pride and a lot of satisfaction.”
The Prince’s Trust was also in attendance, with members of their staff present to offer their services to students, including career development workshops and CV reviews.
Youth Development Lead at The Prince’s Trust, Jessica Okuwuonu, says the skills they provide go further than employment.
“We’ve invited young people into our centres, told them about the Prince’s Trust and how we can help them but also taught them how to cook on a budget, and all the skills that you need to function in society today.”
The Prince’s Trust helps young people and adults up to 30-years-old in many aspects of daily life, and the charity has partnered up with multiple employers to help create pathways for young people.
“We work with employers to do that, we work with people like TK Maxx, and New Look, and we’ve worked with HSBC in the past plus many more to get young people into those jobs.”
There was also an emphasis on prospects for mature students. Anne Ashworth, who helps organise Apprentice Futures’ events alongside her work with Pearson, says it’s important that apprenticeships are made visible to those over school leavers’ age.
“There isn’t an awful lot of choice for more mature people but I think people are beginning to realise that if they want a career change, doing an apprenticeship is a perfect route way for getting into an employer and then making that career change.”