Wish 11 – Inspiring careers: Apprentice ambassadors & student volunteering
The Employment and Skills Service proudly supports the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, a community of current and former apprentices who share their experiences to inspire the next generation. By telling their stories, ambassadors help students understand real career pathways while showcasing the pride and impact of apprenticeships. This network also strengthens connections between employers, apprentices, and education providers.
Currently, the network includes 34 ambassadors from 19 businesses, including leading names such as DLA Piper, Addleshaw Goddard, and Burberry. For employers and apprentices, participation offers valuable exposure, skill development, and the chance to inspire future talent, while boosting your organisation’s community presence.
We are hugely grateful to employers who encourage their apprentices to take part. If you have apprentices who would like to become ambassadors, please drop us an email and help them join a valued community supporting youth engagement.
Careers events & student volunteering
The Employment and Skills Service delivers several large-scale careers events each year, including the Leeds Digital Careers Fair 2025, creating opportunities for employers and students to connect and collaborate.
At this year’s Digital Careers Fair, they introduced volunteering opportunities for students studying Digital T Levels, giving them hands-on experience while inspiring their future careers in the digital sector. Our aim was twofold:
- Empower students with practical experience and confidence.
- Expose them to leading employers and roles within the digital industry.
Eight students volunteered and, to ensure they felt prepared, our team visited their college beforehand to deliver a pre-event briefing. This included a walkthrough of the venue, an overview of their roles, and a Q&A session.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Students reported:
- Increased confidence when speaking to organisations.
- Greater awareness of companies and career opportunities in the digital sector.
- A sense of pride in contributing to a major careers event.
Leeds Digital Career Fair impact report
Young people have access to a wide range of work experience, employment and volunteering opportunities.
Young people know where to get information and advice and are supported to access a wide range of opportunities that meet their needs and aspirations. This includes work experience, employment, training and volunteering.
