Shelley Wylds
Customer Support Specialist @ Holewise
"Truly an eye-opening event, it’s amazing how many students turned out."
Amazing Apprenticeships and North Hertfordshire College’s apprenticeships arm, Hart Learning & Development, hosted the first Big Apprenticeship Breakfast in Hitchin to mark National Apprenticeship Week 2023!
56 students from local colleges and schools, including some of North Hertfordshire College’s own students, came together for the exclusive networking event. Learners were matched with several of the twenty-eight individual organisations in attendance for a chance to hear more about what the employers do and their upcoming apprenticeship vacancies. The event was designed with the hope that some of the employers would find their future apprentice during the speed networking, ready to join their organisation in the summer of 2023.
Anna Morrison CBE, Founder and Director of Amazing Apprenticeships, said of the experience: “Amazing Apprenticeships exists to help raise awareness of the benefits and opportunities of apprenticeships across England. What better way than to bring together local schools, students, and employers to match real roles to young people who will be actively seeking employment? It has been a brilliant morning witnessing so many students open up to the real opportunity of joining an apprenticeship scheme when they leave school or college.”
Kit Davies, Principal of North Hertfordshire College, said: “The event was a real success. It has been fantastic to see so many motivated, like-minded local businesses ready to connect with the next generation of young talent and I am certain that many of the positive discussions from today will turn into employment and apprenticeship opportunities in the future. This event would not have been possible without the support and enthusiasm of our local employers, as well as the confident and proactive young people who took the initiative to come along today.”
The event had a huge impact on those in attendance, with many of the employers commenting on how prepared and engaged the students were. The students also found the experience beneficial; they engaged proudly in conversations with employers, listening attentively to their pitches and asking thoughtful questions about the opportunities on offer. Check out some of their positive feedback below:
Shelley Wylds
Beata Balut
Office Manager @ Herts at Home
"I really enjoyed the interaction with the students, students were even approaching us after the networking."
James Maynard
Talent and Development Co-ordinator @ Fortem
"It has been really interesting speaking and listening to students."
Isaac
Student @ Hitchin Boys School
"It has been such an eye opening event, it was amazing to meet so many local employers and find out about their opportunities."
Gio Newbery
Outreach & Sixth Form Co-ordinator @ The Thomas Alleyne Academy
"From just speaking to my students, they have all said what an amazing event this has been. The fact they get to meet local employers face to face has really opened their eyes to the incredible apprenticeships that are on offer. I want to say a massive thank you for putting this event on and my students all say a massive thank you as well!"
Looking for more information about the Big Apprenticeship Breakfast event?
Anna Morrison, Founder and Director of Amazing Apprenticeships, was interviewed by Andy Collins on BBC Three Counties Radio about the event and explained more about how it works. Check out her interview in our video! ➡