Apprentice Nation Press Release for 2024

Hear about Apprentice Nation’s National Apprenticeship Week event featuring:

  • Apprenticeship opportunities, with the event highlighting the the importance of lifelong learning.
  • Current Google apprentices shared their career journey and experiences with aspiring apprentices
  • BRIT School alumni, Sonic Daze entertained the crowd with their jazz inspired hip- hop

LONDON, FEBRUARY 14, 2024: In celebration of innovation and education, Apprentice Nation took to the stage during National Apprenticeship Week with an exclusive event at Google, Kings Cross. The event, titled ‘Get Ready for Apprenticeships’ drew an energetic crowd of 16-24 year olds eager to explore the world of apprenticeships.

Apprentice Nation, a leading early careers development platform supported by BT, Lucozade and Amazon, lined up a vibrant gathering featuring industry leaders, current apprentices from Google, and music artists, all geared towards shedding light on apprenticeships opportunities and the invaluable skill of learnability.

The celebrated Google building played host to a diverse line-up of experts and apprentices from the National Careers Service, Not Going To Uni, The Black Apprentice Network and Atlantic Records. Attendees were treated to insightful career development sessions, providing a glimpse into the journeys of experienced and inspiring professionals.

BRIT School alumni, Sonic Daze, treated the crowd to an energetic performance with their jazz-inspired hip-hop, to close the event.

James Jeffries, Google’s UK Apprenticeships Program Lead, expressed his delight in hosting the informative and entertaining event, emphasising Google’s pride in their apprenticeship programme:

“The energy and enthusiasm present at the event was amazing and it was great to be a part of it. I am continually inspired by our own Google Apprentices, so to have the opportunity to meet with the next generation of Apprentices and hear their stories, was equally inspiring.”

“We’re proud to host events like these that help to inspire the next generation of apprentices to gain valuable skills, that have the potential to transform their careers, benefit businesses across a variety of sectors and stimulate economic growth for the UK.”

During the event, an enlightening onstage panel session was led by Apprentice Nation host Suprina Thupta with topics ranging from the importance of skills development to the journey of an apprentice.

Will Beardmore, Director of Digital at Atlantic Records underscored the importance of learnability as a lifelong skill:

“Even though there aren’t many formal apprenticeships in the music industry, the journey from the start of a music career is very much aligned to that of an apprentice; there is a lot of ‘learning on the job’ and steady progression through the ranks as you gain more experience. I started out as an intern, picking up skills and experience, with support and guidance from my colleagues, before progressing to where I am now.’’

Sonic Daze talked about their music industry journey to date and whilst they are not on a formal apprenticeship, they very much consider themselves to be ‘apprentices’ in the music industry.

A prize draw, made possible by Apprentice Nation partner, Lucozade, was on offer for those attending, with one lucky attendee winning a Lenovo Tablet to support their career journey.

Matt Riches, Head of Partnerships, Lucozade said:

“The unique blend of education and entertainment is a really powerful tool to engage young people and help them think about their future. As a brand, Lucozade is about helping young people to unlock their potential and Apprentice Nation has been an incredible partner to help make that happen.”

Rachael William, 20, Apprentice Nation member said:

“I’ve had an amazing day in the Google building with Apprentice Nation learning about apprenticeships. I loved hearing career stories from current apprentices and the panel discussion really helped me to understand the different paths I can take towards my career. I’m really grateful to have had this opportunity.”

The Apprentice Nation platform uses the power of music to engage and inspire young people to shape their future. In addition to offering crucial information about apprenticeship opportunities and alternative career routes, the platform supports young individuals in developing essential life skills through on-demand content including topics from digital skills and study skills to wellbeing and awareness. Recent survey results indicate that since joining the platform, 91% of Apprentice Nation members feel confident about their future.

For more information contact jsaint@rockcorps.com

About Google

Google’s mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. Through products and platforms like Search, Maps, Gmail, Android, Google Play, Google Cloud, Chrome and YouTube, Google plays a meaningful role in the daily lives of billions of people and has become one of the most widely-known companies in the world. Google is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc.

About Apprentice Nation

Apprentice Nation is produced by RockCorps and Multiverse, supported by BT, Lucozade and Amazon, working to get more historically underrepresented youth into apprenticeships and other accessible career routes. They provide early-career support; mixing learning with entertainment and inspiring young people to get career-ready through free concerts, live events and a free, on-demand learning series. Celebrating a wide range of career paths, the programme attracts a diverse mix of young people who are often underrepresented in more traditional careers support formats. In addition to gaining fundamental skills for the future, participants earn rewards for taking part in gamified learning opportunities.

Latest stats on Apprentice Nation membership:
32% told us they have received free school meals vs. 17% national average
17% are from a household with a parent or guardian with a university degree vs. 43% nationally
27% Black participants vs. 3.5% national average
21% Asian participants vs 7.5% national average