31 July 2018

Apprentice 18

On 27 June 2018 the Stationers’ Company launched Apprentice 18 at Ravensbourne University. This exciting new Apprenticeship initiative has been a central focus of the Stationers’ Education Committee and they were delighted to partner Ravensbourne University. Chairman, Past Master Helen Esmonde and her team had arranged for 30 businesses and potential employers in the communications and content industries to set up stands at Ravensbourne and discuss apprenticeship opportunities with over 300 students from academies across Greater London.

Nick Steidl, the Master of the Stationers’ Company, joined Linda Drew, Vice Chancellor of Ravensbourne University, to welcome attendees. Anne Milton, the Apprenticeships Minister, sent a message of support and encouragement in which she said:

"I am so sorry I cannot be with you today. I have met hundreds of apprentices and seen what a fantastic route into a career an apprenticeship can be.

"Whether at level 2 or at degree level it gives you the chance to learn, gain skills, get job experience and become very attractive to future employers.

"An apprenticeship gives you the chance to learn how to do a good job well and your employer gets the chance, through you, to get a breath of fresh air, new ideas and your enthusiasm.”

Matthew Postgate, Chief Technology and Product Officer at the BBC, gave an inspirational talk about apprenticeship opportunities and then Peter Day, the former BBC Business Correspondent, interviewed a panel of six current apprentices from Pearson, the BBC, Barclays Bank, Paragon and the Evening Standard. All the apprentices addressed with enthusiasm the basic question: why choose an apprenticeship over a place at university? Most of them preferred the hands-on nature of an apprenticeship and the fact you can earn while you learn.

Rajesh Agrawal, Deputy Mayor of London for Business, also spoke, saying: “London is the best city in the world to do business and there are so many incredible opportunities for young people to start an apprenticeship that will hopefully set them on the path for a successful and rewarding career. The Mayor and I are actively working with employers to increase high quality apprenticeships in the capital as we look to create a workforce that will drive our economy forward in the years to come.”

The event was a big success with exhibitors, students and teachers all finding value in attending.  Charles Jarrold, CEO of BPIF, which has been at the forefront of apprenticeships in the printing industry for many years, commented “the day was a huge success in bringing together schools and the brilliance and variety of our sector.” 

One teacher reported that “Our Year 12 students in attendance were very engaged, with one already saying she is sure it’s a route she wants to pursue and another saying that she’d never considered it before but would now.”

Wrapping up the event, Past Master Helen Esmonde said "Our ambition for Apprentice 18 was to raise awareness of apprenticeship opportunities in our industries and to facilitate links between companies, students and academies across Greater London. We think Apprentice 18 has achieved this and provided a solid platform to enable us to work towards an even larger Apprentice 19 next year in London and a similar event in Leeds. The Stationers' Company is now clearly on the map as a leading force in apprenticeships and we are most grateful to Ravensbourne University for partnering us in this endeavour. "

For further information please contact:  Deborah Rea at [email protected]