The UKEVENTS (formerly BVEP) Skills Talent & Diversity Working Group has launched the Events Apprenticeship Framework to bring together event related apprenticeship programmes.
An Events Apprenticeships Advisory Board (EAAB) has been formed and includes employers and wider industry representation. At a time of workforce challenges, the EAAB will create recognised and coordinated event apprenticeships offered across the UK events industry.
Apprenticeships are a route into the industry, with the industry welcoming over 500 Event Assistant apprentices coming through between 2017-2021 (IfATE, 2022). However, given the number of people employed in the industry, this is a small percentage which is perhaps due to a lack of awareness, understanding and investment as to the opportunities available outside of the university route. This presents a great opportunity for further growth in the events industry.
Apprenticeship will allow people from all backgrounds and ages to gain experience and relevant professional qualifications within the events industry. It aims to break down barriers to entry, specifically where experience is required, and to attract a new broader pipeline of talent in addition to the university graduate route.
The EAAB are now in a unique position to launch a crowdfunding initiative and need the industry’s support to drive this forward and promote new talent into this ever-evolving industry, including school leavers, those already working in the industry or those who have decided to make a career change.
It is imperative for the sector to have a robust and inclusive apprenticeship framework and to ensure longevity, the EAAB are asking for support and contributions, whether large or small, to help realise this ambition and be behind the power that has a long-lasting social impact.
Richard Waddington, Chair of EMA said: “When you talk to people about the events industry, it’s difficult to explain or understand, the Government doesn’t recognise it as a ‘professional industry’ and schools rarely talk about it as a potential career pathway – our aim is to change this.”
Over the last 6 months, with the support of some seed funding from UKEVENTS, the EAAB have given their time to build the strategy and plan, but it now requires further funding.
Waddington said: “Whilst this is a massive ask in the current financial climate, the industry is crying out for people and there is an enormous untapped talent pool of people we’re not talking to, we need to bang the drum louder, have processes in place and attract people to this amazing industry.”
The EA framework will launch with five apprenticeships schemes: Events Assistant, Live Event Technician, Creative Venue Technician, Live Event Rigger, AV Event Technician.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
For further information on the Events Apprenticeships framework please contact Candice Kass at
In 2019 the value was estimated at £70bn GVA and 700,000 employed (BVEP, 2020, UK Events Report). This figure could now be anywhere between £14-56bn and 140-560,000 employed (BVEP, 2022; DCMS, 2022; UKCAMS, 2022). This demonstrates that recruitment post-pandemic is our biggest challenge, and the need to onboard new people and those returning to events, if they are going to return to 2019 figures.
Picking up the reins of the existing Event Assistant Apprenticeship and working alongside associated apprenticeships, such as the Live Event Technician, Creative Venue Technician and Live Event Rigger, the EAAB will work with event businesses to build a sustainable model for success.
Suggested funding models:
● Individuals - £25.00
● Small Co’s (up to 15 people) - £250
● Medium Co’s up to 60 people - £750
● Large Co’s (60 people and above) - £2000
The Events Apprenticeship mission is to:
To produce inclusive and accessible apprenticeships that meet the needs of the events industry by delivering skilled and confident people with a desire to succeed and contribute.
The events apprenticeships framework will be delivered by the EAAB through three key pillars of work:
Education and regulation
Developing a framework of available apprenticeships that offer entry and career progression opportunities across different roles within the events industry. This includes reviewing existing Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education occupational standards and end point assessments. This will be undertaken in collaboration with employers, industry representatives, training, and assessment providers.
Marketing and communications
Create, collaborate and communicate what we are doing to the wider events industry. Helping businesses, schools, teachers and parents to navigate, engage, and recruit apprenticeships.
Finance and funding
To seek financial support and funding (through the Crowdfunding initiative) from the industry to launch and fund the events apprenticeships framework to invest in everyone's future.
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