National Apprenticeship Week 2023 took place from Monday 6th – Sunday 12th February. In its 16th year this week long celebration, brings awareness to the way in which apprenticeships simultaneously enhance individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

The STEM Hub celebrated this year’s National Apprenticeship Week with a programme of pre-recorded and live talks linking to this year’s theme ‘Skills for Life’, delivered by STEM Ambassadors from Central South and South East of England regions.

The pre-recorded talks were from  a diverse range of speakers, including apprenticeship mentors and business owners.  Current and past apprentices from biomedical science, construction and the engineering sector talked about their experiences, acquired skills and consequential career pathways. Different talks were available daily, via a dedicated National Apprenticeship Week career talks page on The STEM Hub website, the talks are detailed below:

• Biomedical Science Apprenticeship: Vicky an apprenticeship mentor from Viapath Analytics
• Insight into Chemistry Apprenticeship: Emily a Level 6 Chemistry Apprentice
• Discover Software Engineering Apprenticeship: Heather, past apprentice at Ford
• From post-16 Construction Apprentice to Business Owner: Luke, Brick laying apprentice now business owner.
• Information on Apprenticeships & Routes into Cummins ‘Apprenticeships Higher & Degree’: Past apprentice Hanna.
• Electrical Engineering Apprentice with Jasmine: Edwards Vacuum Apprentice Jasmine
• London Underground – Civil Engineering: Past apprentice Hannah

Four Live talks took place on Microsoft Teams Live allowing for an interactive question and answer session following each talk. Students were able to question the apprentices on everything from real life views on what it’s like to be an apprentice, to what entry requirements and work experience would help them to gain an apprenticeship.

The talks were as follows:

Understanding Apprenticeships within the Construction Industry
STEM Ambassador Amy from the Arc Group gave an informative talk, explaining how her apprenticeship in Level 2 Business Administration gave her an insight into the different roles within the construction industry beyond the construction site.

An Apprenticeship Journey into Engineering
STEM Ambassador Laura gave a fascinating talk explaining how she went from a degree in fine art to completing an HNC in electrical engineering, leading to her current role working on maintaining offshore windfarms for Siemens Gamesa. Laura gave an engaging explanation of a day in the life of a technician, including her daily trip out to sea on a seacat, showing students how an apprenticeship could lead to an adventurous and hands on role.

Mechanical Engineering Apprentice to Tokamak Fusion Energy
Paul, a Digital Design Coordinator for Tokamak Fusion Energy explained his journey from how he accidently first became interested in engineering leading him to complete a mechanical engineering apprenticeship. Now, fifteen years on Paul explained how this led to him entering the world of fusion energy and what his current role today is like.

Meet Acoustic Apprentices from AECOM.
Acoustic apprentices, Marwaan and William gave an in-depth talk explaining about the entry routes into engineering apprenticeships along with their experience of what being an apprentice entails. They also showed a fun and engaging AECOM video which showcased what an acoustic engineer does.

These live talks were watched by secondary aged students, reaching over 5430 young people across the week. These amazing talks are available on our website on a dedicated page and can be accessed by the following link: thestemhub.org.uk/apprenticeships/naw-2023

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