National Apprenticeship Week at Apprentice Nation x Google Event

  • London rapper LeoStayTrill performed live and shared his career journey to date balancing touring with school.
  • Attendees heard from Jordan Schwarzenberger, Creative Director and manager of YouTube sensations The Sidemen.
  • The event spotlighted digital apprenticeships in tech and the growing importance of AI skills as well as finding your own unique selling point.
  • Google industry experts and current apprentices shared career insights and advice for aspiring apprentices.
Production by Flyest Lynx Media 

LONDON, FEBRUARY 11, 2025: Launching National Apprenticeships Week, early careers platform Apprentice Nation partnered with Google for the second consecutive year to host an exclusive event at Google’s Kings Cross offices. A buzzing crowd of 16–24-year-olds came together to learn about apprenticeship opportunities, gain career insights from industry professionals, and explore the future of AI in the workplace.

The event featured an electrifying live performance from London-based rapper LeoStayTrill, who hyped up the audience with his signature trap beats and razor-sharp lyrics in tracks “Pink Lemonade” and “Honeybun”. The 18-year-old artist also joined a panel discussion, sharing how his journey in the music industry mirrors an apprenticeship—where he is both earning and learning. He reflected on his experience, and how he stays grounded, balancing life at school with his dream of being a superstar.

Production by Flyest Lynx Media 

“I have to actually hold my weight amongst a lot of people that are older than me; a lot more established than me. I try to be carefree and unorthodox about it.  And the goal is to put out work that shows you I’m gonna keep being me.”

– LeoStayTrill

Production by Flyest Lynx Media 
Production by Flyest Lynx Media 
Production by Flyest Lynx Media 

Industry Experts & Apprentice Insights

Apprentice Nation and Google curated a dynamic lineup of industry leaders and apprentices to showcase the breadth of opportunities available through apprenticeships. The day was packed with engaging talks, group workshops, and powerful advice from professionals shaping the future of work, demonstrating Google’s commitment to skills development.

James Jeffries, Google’s UK Apprenticeships Program Lead, expressed his excitement about partnering with Apprentice Nation for a second consecutive year, highlighting Google’s commitment to supporting the next generation of talent:

“It’s fantastic to see this event return for a second year, bringing together young people keen to explore the world of apprenticeships. The engagement and energy from the attendees was off the scale, matched only by the speakers on stage! I have no doubt that the advice and guidance shared will have inspired the talent in the room and I’m excited to see what they all go on to achieve next.

At Google, we’re incredibly proud of our own apprenticeship programme, and it’s a privilege to help empower the next generation with the skills and insights that can shape their careers. Events like these not only open doors for young talent but also contribute to a thriving workforce and a stronger economy.”

Apprentice Nation, which is supported by EE through their LearnSmart platform, brought along Skills Leaders Suprina Thupta, CJ Saint, Caspar Venger, and Lisa Wahinya, who hosted the event and kept the energy high throughout the day.

  • Production by Flyest Lynx Media 
  • Production by Flyest Lynx Media 

Key highlights included:

  • YouTube’s Mazviona Madzima, Senior strategic Partner Manager, hosted an interactive session on creative uses of new AI tools and how to responsibly use AI to support job applications.
  • Natasha Kizzie, Industry Head, Luxury & Beauty at Google, was joined by Laura Dogbey, a current Google apprentice who attended this very event in 2024. Reflecting on her journey, Laura shared with the audience:

“It’s been such an exciting year for me. This time last year, I was in your shoes, absorbing all the inspiration and getting motivated to apply for an apprenticeship. I feel really lucky to have landed a role at Google and I’m loving every minute.”

  • Hot Seat Challenge: Rapid-fire career Q&A with James Jeffries (Google) and Grace Lawal and Amy Phillips (Transport for London), offering quick and practical career insights.
Production by Flyest Lynx Media 
Production by Flyest Lynx Media 

Panel: Leveraging Your Unique Selling Point

A standout moment was the expert panel discussion, featuring:

  • LeoStayTrill (Artist)
  • Jordan Schwarzenberger (Creative Director and manager of The Sidemen)
  • Sarah Turner (City & Guilds, Client Manager, Skills Development)
  • Koju Abayomi (Google Apprentice)

The panel explored how to leverage your unique skills to get ahead in your career. Jordan Schwarzenberger said:

“Think like a creator. What makes you stand out? Don’t forget that being young in the workplace is even a USP – you have more knowledge than you may realise.”

Koju, a Google Cloud apprentice, had dreams of being a professional footballer and talked about pivoting to his new role. His advice? “Keep putting yourself in uncomfortable situations.”

Production by Flyest Lynx Media 
Production by Flyest Lynx Media 
Production by Flyest Lynx Media 

Networking, Prizes & More

Following the discussions, attendees enjoyed refreshments and networking, connecting with industry professionals, current apprentices, and fellow young people on their career journeys. A lucky group even had the chance to snap exclusive photos with LeoStayTrill!

Production by Flyest Lynx Media 

Attendee Reflections

Apprentice Nation member, Anna Addae, shared their excitement:

“This event was incredible and a change from virtual events! Getting to visit Google’s office and hear directly from apprentices and industry experts was so insightful. I’ve learned a lot about apprenticeships.

A big thanks to LeoStayTrill for performing live, making the event even better and different from typical event. As well as a huge thanks to Apprentice Nation and Google for hosting. It was an amazing experience! And also – to think about my unique selling point – it’s pushed me to think about my own career path in a new perspective. “

Empowering Young People Through Music & Learning

Apprentice Nation harnesses the power of music to inspire and equip young people with the skills they need to succeed. Alongside providing essential information on apprenticeships and career pathways, the platform offers on-demand life skills content,featuring top UK music artists alongside industry professionals, covering topics like digital skills for life, CV writing, finding a job with a criminal record and more. Recent survey results show that 91% of Apprentice Nation members feel more confident about their future since joining the platform.

Keeping it Trill this T-Level Thursday

With 20 T Levels now on offer, and many T Level students successfully progressing on to apprenticeship programmes, there is much to celebrate! Young people can learn all about T-levels and other university alternatives through the videos on Discover Apprenticeships page.