We’re over halfway through National Apprenticeship Week 2025! This week, we’re reminded that apprenticeships are all about unlocking potential and it’s been fantastic to see so many local businesses and educators talking all things apprenticeships with local young people.
This week also offers businesses providing apprenticeships a moment to reflect: Are you making the most of the opportunity to connect with young people?
The reality is that many students are ambitious and hardworking, but they don’t always have access to the right networks and the inside knowledge to guide them, others simply don’t know where to start. This is where employer engagement becomes more than just a volunteering opportunity – not only does it become social value in action and supports young people who need that extra bit of nurture, but it also introduces businesses with apprenticeship opportunities to young minds and a talent pipeline that they might never have reached otherwise.
THE POWER OF EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT:
Too often, young people don’t realise the vast number of opportunities available to them. They don’t see themselves working in certain industries – not because they lack ability or ambition, but because they just aren’t aware of the possibilities. This is where direct interaction with employers becomes transformational. Elevate EBP creates opportunities for these interactions to take place by bringing businesses and education together with students and young people.
Through careers fairs, Meet the Professionals events, Practice Interviews etc. companies can spark interest and inspire young people to aspire to a future that they might never have considered before.
For businesses, these engagements aren’t just about giving back; they’re an opportunity to meet and have conversations with the next generation of talent. When young people connect with employers early, they make informed career decisions, leading to more engaged apprentices, and ultimately, a stronger workforce.
“We have formed a partnership with Elevate over 18 months ago and it has enabled us to have great opportunities to get into schools and colleges around Merseyside to promote BDO and our apprenticeship schemes. We have been involved in a variety of events from Meet the Professionals through to Mock Interviews. Tina and the team are great to work with and we look forward to continuing our collaboration throughout 2025.”
Professionals from some of Elevate EBP’s 2025 Patron organisations volunteering at a number of our recent employer encounter events.
WORK EXPERIENCE AS A STEPPING STONE:
One of the most effective ways to introduce young people to an industry is through work experience. It’s an opportunity for young people to step into the professional world, develop essential skills, and build the confidence they’ll need to thrive in the workplace. For those without family connections or industry role models, a work experience placement can be life-changing! It can show them that they do belong in these spaces, that they are capable, and that there is a clear route forward.
From an employer’s perspective, work experience doesn’t have to be just a short-term commitment – it can be an investment. Time and again, we’ve seen young people flourish in placements, later returning to the company as apprentices or employees, and going on to build successful careers. It’s a way for companies to shape and nurture future talent whilst ensuring those who might otherwise be overlooked get the opportunities they deserve.
“I really enjoyed the working environment compared to the classroom. From day one, I was given my own uniform and PPE, and I learned so much during my placement. It made me want to become a roofer. Now, I’m well into my apprenticeship, gaining experience with repairs and working on brand-new roofs. My goal is to complete my apprenticeship and become a fully qualified roofer for the Group.”
Joe joined The Sovini Group on an extended work experience placement facilitated by Elevate EBP a couple of years ago. Today, Joe is completing a Roofing Apprenticeship with the Group.
HOW BUSINESSES BENEFIT FROM ENGAGING EARLY:
Early engagement with students isn’t just about corporate responsibility – it’s about future-proofing an industry’s talent pipeline. By stepping forward to offer insight, support, and opportunities, businesses can help bridge the skills gap and create links between education and employment.
With the right guidance and support, a young person is much more likely to find an apprenticeship and understand the pathways available to them – and they can become some of the most dedicated and driven employees! Businesses involvement could be the difference between a young person struggling to find their way and stepping confidently into their future.
GET INVOLVED TODAY:
National Apprenticeship Week is the chance to act! And there are loads of ways for businesses to engage. Hosting a work experience placement, attending careers fairs, or simply having conversations with our young people. What could you do to get involved?
You can find a list of our upcoming events from March 2025 onwards by clicking here.
For more information about becoming a work experience provider, please contact Christine at Christine.Smith@elevate-ebp.co.uk
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