As part of our Apprenticeship Programme, we have committed to strengthening our internal Ambassador Network. This is led by Gemmer Crozier who was one of our original apprentices. The aim of the programme is that all Brother apprentice ambassadors work within our community to positively promote their successful apprenticeship journey.
Two of our past apprentices, who have now secured full-time positions, took part in the Apprenticeships Live campaign to share their experience with a wide range of schools and colleges. All of our ambassadors continue to support our local education activity to inspire and motivate students in the local area.
Gemmer's story inspired me to want to do an apprenticeship with Brother UK. I researched the company and the more I learnt about what they do for the community and their own employees, the more I wanted to join.
The Apprentice Academy put me in contact and taught me about what to expect from the working environment.
Brother UK has given me the opportunity and guidance to get where I am today.
- Katie Mellor, Customer Support Apprentice
Having been shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year, Gemmer Crozier was invited to give a keynote speech about her apprenticeship experience to an audience of 350 businesses, training providers, public sector organisations and charities regarding her apprenticeship journey.
The purpose of Gemmer attending this event as the leader of our Apprenticeship Ambassador Programme was to raise awareness and successfully promote apprenticeships by explaining the positive impact they have on businesses and individuals. By sharing her journey, she showed that an apprenticeship can be a great start to a future career and hopefully encouraged others to take up an apprenticeship.
Gemmer’s speech was such a success that other businesses and training providers have now approached her to visit them and discuss the impact an apprenticeship can have.
Gemmer Crozier attended St Ambrose Barlow RC High in Swinton where she shared her apprenticeship journey with 200 year nine students. She also got the chance to take part in a round table event with Minister of State Anne Milton (Department for Education) to discuss the government’s support of apprenticeships.
The BOSS Federation held a Leaders of the Future Conference in London to encourage employers to develop apprenticeship programmes. Aaron Hopkinson co-hosted the conference as part of his committee membership. Our Junior Digital Marketing Assistant, Jessica Wilbraham also attended.They networked and shared their experiences with fellow members.
To continue our annual support of National Apprenticeship Week, we hosted an Apprenticeships and Employability session for 48 of our Year 10 students currently enrolled on our Big Brother Mentoring programme.
During this ‘Blaze a Trail’ themed session, students from seven local high schools, participated in activities including ‘speed dating’ with our own Apprentice Ambassadors. Here they were able to ask questions and discuss their career journey with a view to busting the myths around apprenticeships.
