Top SME Apprenticeship Employer 2023
24 July 2023
Inconnection has been creating opportunities for people to break into the events industry by opening up entry level roles to apprentices throughout the company. We’ve hired apprentices across a range of different disciplines including business administration, digital marketing, data analysis, content creation, and software development, letting young people and those looking for a career change get hands-on experience in the workplace.
Working with apprentices has added value to the company, and a new perspective to the workings of Inconnection. That’s why we are incredibly proud to be named among the Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers 2023, coming in 31st and being recognised as one of the nation’s top apprenticeship employers in 2023.
Started in 2020, the annual employer ranking was developed by the Department of Education to independently assess and rank the nation’s top apprenticeship employers. The award was created to celebrate England’s outstanding apprenticeship employers, recognising their commitment to creating new apprenticeship opportunities, the diversity of apprentices, and the percentage of apprentices who successfully achieve their apprenticeships.
The 2023 rankings for Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers and Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers were announced during a special broadcast, and you can see where Inconnection featured here. Inconnection has been invited to the celebration lunch at the House of Commons along with the other employers, large and small, that have done the most to provide apprenticeship opportunities over the past 12 months.
Find out more about the Apprenticeships Top Employers 2023 and how each company was judged here.
Creating opportunities for people through apprenticeships is something we value greatly at Inconnection, because we know how much these positions can mean to our apprentices. We spoke to some of our current apprentices, and those who’d recently graduated to find out how they felt about their apprenticeships and what they gained from the experience.
Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
I chose to do an apprenticeship as I wanted to become qualified in a career, I was passionate about, while gaining experience in a working environment. Reece, Data Analyst Apprentice
After being made redundant at 27 I wanted to start a career in digital marketing but with no experience I was struggling to get my foot in the door. An apprenticeship allowed me to get a position without the expectation of previous work experience, plus I’m learning and getting on the job skills at the same time. Zoe, Digital Marketing Executive
I didn’t want to go to Uni and an apprenticeship seemed like a good alternative option for the field I initially wanted to go into. Courtney, Business Administration Assistant
Do you feel like starting an apprenticeship has helped your career progress?
Yes, the opportunity to apply my knowledge in a practical setting has expedited my learning greatly, and I feel more confident with experience under my belt. Reece, Data Analyst Apprentice
Absolutely, I had been job search for months with no luck but I’m now a digital marketing executive. I wouldn’t have dreamed I’d have this role back in December 2021, but now I’m working full time in marketing, and I have even more progress options ahead of me. Zoe, Digital Marketing Executive
What challenges have you overcome?
I’ve got dyslexia so I struggle with writing and reading and for a long time I was told I wouldn’t be able to get qualifications, so I’ve always been told I won’t be able to do it but this was a push to prove I could do it, and this was another thing to prove I could and I got a distinction, for me it’s a massive achievement. Ella, Project Executive
What have you gained from your apprenticeship?
Completing my apprenticeship has given me valuable on the job experience and a permanent role at Inconnection. I have no doubt that without an apprenticeship I wouldn’t be where I am now. Zoe, Digital Marketing Executive
I have gained my next level in business admin and my confidence has increased a lot since I started here. Courtney, Business Administration Assistant
My confidence has grown massively since starting my apprenticeship. When I first started, I was shy and nervous because it was my first full time job, and I needed to work face to face with clients, but looking back and reflecting on where I was and where I am now, I can see my confidence has grown so much which is a big accomplishment. Ella, Project Executive
Would you recommend an apprenticeship to others?
I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to others. My workplace has been very supportive in helping me develop, while my tutor is always just an email away if I need any help with my course. Earning and learning while working towards a qualification is a great opportunity. Reece, Data Analyst Apprentice
It has as this was my first job and I struggled finding anything else. Courtney, Business Administration Assistant
We are always looking for enthusiastic, talented individuals who are eager to learn and achieve in a fast paced, and diverse company. So, whether it’s your first job or a career change, get in touch and find out what positions we have available.