Careers platform Apprentice Nation is proud to announce the launch of ‘Work Ready’, a career development programme assured by City & Guilds, a global skills partner with 3.5 million learners worldwide. Aimed at young people aged 16-24, participants will earn virtual badges at each stage of the programme and receive a nationally recognised, accredited certificate upon completion, showcasing their skills and commitment to prospective employers.
Apprentice Nation brings a fresh perspective to skills development by harnessing the power of music to engage and inspire young people. The programme features top UK music artists alongside industry experts, all contributing their authentic voices to the content. Through their stories, advice, and tips, they show that there are many pathways to success, regardless of the challenges a young person may face.
Featured artists include singer-songwriter RAYE, grime duo Krept & Konan, and rapper Ghetts, who share their personal career journeys to inspire the next generation. In addition, industry experts from leading companies such as EE, Amazon, and Google provide invaluable advice on navigating the working world.
To earn their certificate, participants must complete ten prescribed video training sessions including ‘Making Digital Skills Pop on Your CV’ and ‘Why is Learnability a Core Skills for Life?’, alongside five videos of their own choice. Topics covered include the development of essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, as well as personal growth areas like resilience and creativity.
Click here to visit Apprentice Nation’s Work Ready programme
Mandy Smith, Executive Director of Customer Solutions, City & Guilds: “We’re excited to partner with Apprentice Nation on their Work Ready programme. We have a shared commitment with Apprentice Nation to create access to learning and career opportunities for young people. To achieve these goals the quality of the training is paramount, which is why we are delighted to see this programme meet our Assured benchmark, which sets it apart from other skills development training.”
Stephen Greene CBE, CEO RockCorps & Producer Apprentice Nation: “A great mark of evolution for Apprentice Nation to have such a trusted and globally recognised organisation as City & Guilds. Apprentice Nation is dedicated to empowering young people across the UK, especially those from historically underrepresented backgrounds, with the skills they need to succeed in the workplace. By meeting young people where they are—through music and culture—we can make a real impact. Upskilling this next generation helps them navigate challenging economic times while giving employers access to some of the best-prepared talent.”
Apprentice Nation’s unique approach starts with using music to engage and inspire young people. The early careers platform features some of the UK’s top music artists like RAYE, Ghetts and Krept & Konan, alongside industry professionals, all sharing their journeys to demonstrate that there’s no single path to success. Through stories, tips, and advice, the content empowers young people to navigate challenges and grab opportunities, whatever their background.
Apprentice Nation has reached thousands of young people across the UK through live events, mentoring, and on-demand training. With a growing community of over 26,000 participants, Apprentice Nation shines a spotlight on alternative career paths such as apprenticeships. A recent survey revealed that 85% of participants gained new work-ready skills, while 75% reported a boost in confidence regarding their future.
About City & Guilds: City & Guilds is the preferred brand and route for skills. We have been fulfilling our charitable purpose since 1878, by advancing skills for people, organisations, and societies.
With 3.5 million learners worldwide, we understand the life-changing link between skills development, social mobility, prosperity, and success. We champion vocational and technical training routes and collaborate with industries and government to campaign for improvements across the global skills landscape.
We work with over 2500 employers to deliver high-quality skills training and credentials, both in person and online, that meet the changing needs of industry and skills challenges. We deliver qualifications and awards to thousands of colleges and training providers across the globe, creating end-to-end solutions and improving learner skills and productivity. City & Guilds courses have contributed £11.2bn to society in the UK alone.
Through our City & Guilds Foundation we amplify our purpose by focusing on high-impact social investment, recognition, and advocacy programs which remove barriers to getting a job, celebrate best practice on the job, and advocate for jobs of the future. We have a proven track record of supporting skills development and creating over £10m of social value in communities that experience disadvantage.
The City & Guilds community of brands includes Gen2, ILM, Intertrain, Trade Skills 4U, Kineo, and The Oxford Group.
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