Apprenticeship Ambassadors

Our Apprenticeship Ambassadors are current apprentices who support our work to raise awareness of the benefits of apprenticeships to young people in education by sharing their experiences.  

We want people to hear real-life success stories, to have the opportunity to ask questions and talk openly about what it’s like to be an apprentice. Our Apprenticeship Ambassadors are current or former apprentices who support us with raising awareness of the benefits of apprenticeships by telling their stories and sharing what they’ve learned.

We have Apprenticeship Ambassadors from a range of employers including Abbott, Assure UK, Blenheim, DAF Trucks, GKN Automotive, Ignite Sport, Milestone Infrastructure, Oxford Instruments, OxLEP and the University of Oxford.

If you employ an apprentice who would be interested in becoming an Apprenticeship Ambassador, get in touch at skills@oxfordshirelep.com.

Why do we have Apprenticeship Ambassadors?

• Young people are inspired by other young people who have experienced first-hand the benefits of apprenticeship.

• Gives young people, teachers and parents/carers the opportunity to talk openly and honestly to someone currently doing an apprenticeship, and ask questions.

• Young people can hear real stories about the career development opportunities that apprenticeships can bring.

• Demonstrates that local employers recruit apprentices and recognise the benefits they bring to their businesses.

What’s in it for employers?

• Raise awareness of your organisation and sector.

• Promote your apprenticeship opportunities, and attract future talent.

• Develop the skills of your apprentice through the programme – such as communication, public speaking, planning and time management.

• The creation of videos, case study and other materials about your business and your apprentice.

What’s involved?

• Apprenticeship Ambassadors will be required to attend a preparation and training session.

• They will be required to film a short video bio and case study about themselves which will be used to promote apprenticeships across the county.

• Following the training day, Apprenticeship Ambassadors will be contacted re attending specific events.

• We will ask them to contribute to OxLEP Skills campaigns, for example sharing top tips around results days, short video/clips about being an apprentice during National Apprenticeship Week, featuring in local media.

• You and your apprentice will decide what they take part in. For example, they may be happy to write a blog but prefer not to speak in an assembly, or they may only be able to attend certain events due to work commitments.

What’s in it for my apprentice?

• They will have the opportunity to develop their presentation and public speaking skills.

• They will develop their organisational and time keeping skills, and will have to communicate with the school to confirm their requirements.

• They’ll be able to tell their story to help others think about their best next step, and take part in promotional and creative activities.

• They will grow their professional network by meeting apprentices from other Oxfordshire-based organisations.

What does the training involve?

• Overview of the programme and the Apprenticeship Ambassador role.

• Presentation and public speaking skills workshop.

• How to tell your story and get key messages across.

• Workshop for engaging a school audience.

• Typical questions that you may be asked.

• Creating your case study.

• Videos and photos for OxLEP Apprenticeship Ambassador web page.

To find out more or to sign one of your apprentices up for the scheme please contact skills@oxfordshirelep.com.