Apprenticeship with the NEC Group
15 August 2019It’s a busy week for students across the country as they open their GCSE or A-Level results. An apprenticeship could be a great next step to get started in a new career.
The NEC Group has already placed more than 30 apprentices in 2019, with almost 20 apprenticeships currently available in a variety of different disciplines, spanning its business, leisure, and entertainment venues.
Leading the way on apprenticeships in the region, the Group has created the first ever ticketing apprentice working in its national ticketing agency, The Ticket Factory, as well as the first ever arena electrician apprentices working in Resorts World Arena and Arena Birmingham. A wealth of positions are also available with award-winning catering business Amadeus.
All apprentices play a part in actively supporting the seven million people who come together to learn, do business and be entertained at over 750 events in NEC Group venues each year.
Every apprentice works with an NEC Group mentor to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to perform their apprenticeship role, alongside learning about the future needs of the businesses. Over half of the 15 people that have already completed an apprenticeship are still working with the NEC Group or have gone on to a higher-level apprenticeship. Last year the Group also appointed an Apprentice Coordinator, Angela Walsh, who has helped champion the first ever Live Event Rigging Apprentices and Arenas Electrical Apprentices in Resorts World Arena and the Arena Birmingham.
We have almost 20 live apprenticeship opportunities to apply for, in IT, catering and hospitality.
Speaking about his apprenticeship, Mohammad Waseem, Electrical Apprentice said:
“I’ve had many jobs, in sales, leisure and retail but they never gave me much job satisfaction. I heard about this apprentice role coming up at the NEC Group, and the job description really appealed to me. It was also the career stability that the Group could provide which was another big seller – something I haven’t had for many years. I really enjoy the all aspects of my apprenticeship role, working on different events and with different people. I like all the sporting events. The music concerts are more technical but with sports its far more engaging - it’s something different to work on. I can see progression here and eventually I’d like to be a Head of Event Services but I’ll give myself a few years to get there!”
Apprentice Chef at the ICC, Stacey Botwood, said:
“I’ve been an apprentice chef for Amadeus for just over a year. I know that support is always on hand from my mentor and my tutors at University College Birmingham when needed, so I don’t worry too much about the studying side of my apprenticeship. It has been tough at times but all the apprentices are in the same boat and that it makes me feel a lot better as I’ve made lasting friendships with them and the people I work with at the different venues.
“Everyone is so friendly and helpful even if you make a mistake they don’t judge; they show you the way and help you to improve your skills and development. When I finish this apprenticeship I’m hoping to continue on with my education and complete my level 3 qualification with Amadeus. I’d definitely recommend an apprenticeship as where else can you earn while you learn!”
NEC Group Senior Learning and Development Consultant, Claire Hawker, said: “As a complex organisation, with multiple different businesses within our portfolio, we are immensely proud that we have been able to grow and nurture apprentices across the whole business. People are at the heart of the NEC Group and realising the potential of our people is definitely one of the keys to our success. The NEC Group benefits greatly from the new energy our apprentices are bringing to the businesses.