About Us
The East Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (EMAAN) is a regional network of apprentice and employer ambassadors who work together to champion apprenticeships across the East Midlands.
EMAAN represents the East Midlands, working across:
● Derbyshire
● Nottinghamshire
● Leicestershire
● Lincolnshire
● Rutland
● Berkshire - Milton Keynes only
We are part of the wider national Apprenticeship Ambassador Network
(AAN), a network that brings real apprentice and employer voices into schools, communities and workplaces to raise awareness of apprenticeships and technical education.
EMAAN is built on lived experience. Our ambassadors are current or former apprentices and employers who believe in the power of apprenticeships to change lives, open doors and create meaningful careers. Everything we do is voluntary, inclusive and rooted in authenticity.
We support activity in cities, towns and rural communities, recognising that access to information, opportunity and role models can look very different depending on where someone lives.
Our ambassadors reflect the diversity of the region, spanning different industries, apprenticeship levels, backgrounds and career journeys.
This helps us connect with learners, employers and educators in a way that feels relatable and real.
Our role within the network
EMAAN operates as a regional part of the national Apprenticeship Ambassador
Network (AAN). This means we:
Align with national apprenticeship messaging and priorities.
Support the Department for Work and Pension’s ambition to increase awareness and understanding of apprenticeships.
Work alongside other regional ambassador networks across England.
At a regional level, EMAAN focuses on what matters locally. We respond to Apprentice needs, local employer priorities and the challenges and opportunities facing learners in the East Midlands to raise awareness.
What our ambassadors do
More than advocacy. Real impact.
EMAAN ambassadors can support a wide range of activity, designed to inform, inspire and empower including:
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School and college engagement
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Careers events and assemblies
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Employer outreach and events
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Panels, podcasts and campaigns
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Regional and national initiatives
All activity is supportive, inclusive, and designed to develop ambassadors as individuals, not just representatives.
Why EMAAN matters
Apprenticeships can be life-changing, but they are still widely misunderstood. Many people, parents and educators do not see the full range of opportunities available or understand how apprenticeships compare with other routes.
EMAAN exists to close that gap by:
● Providing clear, honest information
● Sharing real experiences rather than marketing messages
● Raising the profile of apprenticeships across the East Midlands
● Supporting stronger connections between education and employment
