Apprenticeships take centre stage at 01Founders and Westminster Business Council networking event

Students took center stage at the “The Future is Apprenticeships” event, hosted by 01Founders in collaboration with Westminster Business Council and Capital City College Group (CCCG).

Held on the 6th of February at WestKing’s Regent’s Park Centre, home of 01Founders, the event provided a platform for employers and students to highlight the benefits of apprenticeships to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week.

Rupert Cheetham, a student attendee, explained how securing an apprenticeship with Viabio was a turning point in his career and a dream come true. Rupert credits 01 Founders for connecting him with Viabio, a pioneering company utilizing AI in bio-printing, and transforming his educational experience from passive learning to active engagement with real-world innovators.

Similarly, Matthew Hope found his niche at 01Founders after realizing that the structured environment of traditional university education wasn’t conducive to his creativity. Embracing the flexibility and autonomy offered by 01Founders, Matthew discovered a newfound passion for learning and innovation, setting the stage for a promising apprenticeship journey.

Rupert and Matthew’s stories echo the sentiments of many students in attendance, who found inspiration and opportunity during the event.

Michael Akimov, from EI Consulting (UK), said: “We’re here at 01Founders today to find bright, new talent. We have hired apprentices from the 01Founders talent pool in the past who have excelled. For example, Nikoy, who joined our start-up in robotics. He initially started in a junior role but immediately progressed to management. Apprentices are fundamental to innovation.”

Jackie Chapman, CEO of 01Founders and Executive Director of Growth and Partnerships at Capital City College Training (CCCT), opened the event, which included a series of guest speakers.

Cali Ibrahim, Social and Economic Investment Manager at Notting Hill Genesis and Ambassador for the London Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, underscored the value of apprenticeships and showcased collaborative efforts between 01Founders, Notting Hill Genesis, and pop-up academies in advancing digital skills within local communities.

Stav Aristokle Hill, People Manager at Berkeley Group and Ambassador for the London Apprenticeship Ambassador Network elaborated on the benefits of apprenticeships to employers in the construction industry, emphasising enhanced skills and productivity alongside long-term strategic advantages.

Ajay Purbhoosing, Senior Account Manager at Workwhile, shared insights into free apprenticeship support for SMEs and provided crucial information on accessing fully funded apprenticeships.

The guest speaker sessions culminated in a panel Q&A session where attendees engaged in discussions, followed by a productive networking session to connect students with employers.

01Founders specialises in coding-related apprenticeships and Level 4 courses in Software Engineering and Data Analysis. If you’re an employer looking to recruit from a diverse talent pool. Click here to find out more.

Capital City College Training, part of Capital City College Group, also has a range of different apprenticeship schemes to support a wide range of industries.

Share!