EVENT APPRENTICESHIPS

For anyone and any business in the UK looking for low-cost or free professional training and development to kick-start or enhance career development in events and festivals — fully funded by the UK Government Apprenticeships Scheme — you will receive a nationally recognised qualification and one of the Centre for Events & Festivals’ professional recognition fellowships upon completion.

  • A UK apprenticeship is a work-based training programme that allows individuals to gain practical job experience while studying towards a nationally recognised qualification. Apprentices earn a salary while developing skills and knowledge relevant to their role.

  • Apprenticeships are available to anyone aged 16 or over living in England who is not in full-time education. They are suitable for school leavers, career changers, or employees who want to develop new skills.

  • The programmes cover all stages of the event lifecycle, including planning, production, project management, people development, event delivery, and post-event evaluation.

    We are currently developing more than 20 apprenticeship training programmes, each focusing on different roles and skills within the events industry.

  • Yes. Employers can enrol current staff members onto an apprenticeship programme to help them develop new skills, gain qualifications, or move into more senior roles.

  • Our apprenticeship programme is a series of professional training programmes designed to support career development in the events and festivals sector, covering every stage of the event lifecycle and diverse roles.

  • Participants not only receive a nationally recognised apprenticeship qualification but they also gain professional recognition through CEF fellowship pathways.

  • No. Apprenticeships are open to people of all ages, including adults who want to retrain, change careers, or progress within their current role.

  • Yes. Apprenticeships lead to nationally recognised qualifications and industry standards, making them highly valued by employers across many sectors.

  • Most apprenticeships in England and Wales are funded by the UK Government through the Apprenticeship Levy or government co-investment. This means many students and businesses can access training at low cost (95% funded) or no cost (100%).

  • Yes. Apprentices are employees, so they receive a salary and are entitled to employee benefits such as holiday pay and workplace rights.

  • Apprentices earn nationally recognised qualifications aligned to industry standards, helping them build professional credibility and career progression opportunities.

  • The length depends on the level and sector but typically lasts 12 months to 4 years. Many programmes combine on-the-job learning with structured training.

  • Apprenticeships range from Level 2 (equivalent to GCSEs) up to Level 7 (equivalent to a master’s degree), offering progression routes for different career stages.

  • Employers can develop skilled staff, improve productivity, fill skills gaps, and retain talent while accessing government-funded training programmes.

  • Training will combine practical workplace learning, professional mentoring, and structured training sessions, ensuring apprentices develop both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.

  • An apprenticeship combines paid employment with structured training, allowing individuals to gain practical workplace experience while studying towards a qualification.

  • Businesses partner with Legacies and the Centre for Events & Festivals to deliver apprenticeship programmes. We support businesses through the entire process by providing a structured programme.

    Individuals can find apprenticeships offered by organisations and apply via our Apprenticeship portal.

  • Yes. Apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours on off-the-job training, which can include workshops, online learning, mentoring, or classroom sessions.

  • The Apprenticeship Levy is a government initiative where larger employers contribute to a training fund that can be used to pay for apprenticeship training and development for all organisations - large and small.

  • No, but this is a common misconception. Apprenticeships are available in hundreds of industries and job roles including events, hospitality, business, to marketing and AI.

  • Apprentices are supported by their employer, a training provider, and often a workplace mentor, ensuring they receive guidance throughout their training.

  • Many apprentices continue working with their employer, progress to higher-level roles, or move on to further education or advanced apprenticeship programmes.

  • Apprenticeships help close skills gaps, support economic growth, and provide practical career routes, benefiting individuals, businesses, and the wider economy.

  • They help build a skilled, professional workforce, support industry standards, and provide structured career pathways within the growing events and festivals industry.

  • The programmes aim to strengthen the events workforce, improve professional standards, and support long-term career development across the entire event lifecycle.