Sixth-form students from Future Academies Watford marked National Apprenticeship Week with a days’ worth of activities to help them understand the different pathways available to them.

The event, a collaboration between The Careers Hub and the Hertfordshire Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (AAN), took place in school and throughout the course of the day Year 12 and Year 13 students were able to meet with current apprentices representing companies such as Amazon, Bloomberg, Canopius, John O’Conner, BT and Nissan. 

Throughout the day students took part in a range of activities including an Apprenticeship Bingo session, how to search for apprenticeship vacancies, an exploration of what a good CV and covering letter looks like, interview skills and a Panel discussion with current apprentices. 

Future Academies Watford Careers and Enrichment Leader, Faye Evans coordinated the event:

"We are huge advocates of apprenticeships and technical pathways at the Futures Academy but this sort of opportunity that allows our students to hear directly from apprentices and employers is invaluable. The students got so much from speaking with everyone who came spending time learning more about apprenticeships and employment. I cannot thank them enough for the valuable insights provided."

A Year 12 student explained:

"I’d heard about apprenticeships but never considered they could be my next step as I’ve always wanted to go to Uni. However, now that I’ve heard from people like Tom (BT) and Helen (Amazon) who were like me at school but have completed an apprenticeship I can see the benefits of learning while earning and it was clear from all the activities that employers might rate apprentices higher than graduates. I’m now actively looking at apprenticeships."

Matt O’Conner is the East of England’s Apprenticeship Ambassador Network Chair:

"Events like this one are fantastic opportunities for our ambassadors to get in front of school students and be able to sell the concept of an apprenticeship. I was delighted to see the positive energy in the room as students started to see the huge benefits of an apprenticeship. Two of our apprentices from John O’Conner attended and told me how they wished they’d have had access to this sort of guidance while they were in education. My thanks to Faye and all the team at Future Academies who put together a great day!"

National Apprenticeship Week in a national initiative but features prominently in The Careers Hub annual delivery plan. To learn more about apprenticeship vacancies in Hertfordshire look at www.hopinto.co.uk  and use www.amazingapprenticeships.co.uk  for resources for parents, employers and students.