Welcome to the July EMAAN Newsletter – Edition Five
- EMAAN Ambassador
- Jul 6
- 9 min read
 Welcome to our July EMAAN newsletter. Summer has officially arrived, and while the school term may be beginning to wind down, the East Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network certainly is not. There is plenty happening across the region, from events and school engagement to new partnerships, fresh ideas and the brilliant ambassador activity that keeps apprenticeships visible all year round. This month also marks an exciting new chapter for EMAAN as we welcome our new leadership team. We are looking forward to seeing the energy, ideas and regional connections they will bring as we continue to grow the network and support more employers, apprentices, schools and communities across the East Midlands. It is also a moment to say a huge thank you, and a fond farewell from the National Leadership Team, to Anthony Impey and Tom Culley. Both have made a real contribution to the network, bringing their time, expertise and enthusiasm to the role. We are very grateful for everything they have done and wish them every success in what comes next. You will both be missed, although we are hoping this is more of a “see you around” than a final goodbye. As we head into the summer months, there are still plenty of ways to get involved. Whether you are sharing your apprenticeship story, supporting an event, opening up a conversation with an employer or helping a young person see what is possible, every contribution makes a difference. Thank you, as always, for the commitment, warmth and energy you bring to EMAAN. Here’s to a summer of good conversations, great connections and continued apprenticeship advocacy across our region. |
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Welcome to our new National Leadership Team |
A new chapter for the Apprenticeship Ambassador NetworkThe Apprenticeship Ambassador Network is welcoming a new national leadership team from 1 July, bringing together four passionate and experienced champions of apprenticeships from across the country. Taking up the role of National Chair is Kathryn Marshall MBE, who steps up from her current position as AAN Vice Chair. Kathryn has played a key role in growing the Network’s multi-region membership and creating an engaging series of webinars covering some of the most important issues facing apprenticeships today. Joining Kathryn as Vice Chairs are: Katie Rankin, Employer Lead With more than 15 years’ experience across apprenticeships and skills in a range of sectors, Katie brings a strong employer perspective to the role. She has also been Employer Co-Chair for the Yorkshire and Humber Apprenticeship Ambassador Network for the past six years. Tegan Hinch CGA, Apprentice Lead Tegan began her career as a Data Science Degree Apprentice and has been part of the AAN for six years. As Apprentice Co-Chair for Yorkshire and Humber over the last two years, she has become a powerful and visible advocate for apprentice voice, opportunity and progression. Sarah Moors, Multi-region Employer Lead Sarah leads a multi-award-winning team delivering pre-employment and apprenticeship programmes across journalism, technology, production and business functions. An active member of the AAN’s multi-region group for five years, she brings valuable experience of creating meaningful routes into employment and careers. As we look forward to the next chapter, we also want to thank Anthony Impey MBE FCGI and Tom Culley BEM for their exceptional leadership over the past three years. During their time leading the AAN, the Network achieved two major ambitions. Ambassadors engaged with 97% of state secondary schools and FE colleges in England, helping young people hear directly from those with real apprenticeship experience. The Network also supported 3,319 SMEs with no previous apprenticeship engagement to begin their journey towards employing apprentices. These are remarkable achievements, built through the commitment of Ambassadors across England, including all those who contribute so much here in the East Midlands, as we were the first region to hit 100% of our targets. We are excited to see Kathryn, Katie, Tegan and Sarah build on this momentum, supported by Ambassadors nationwide. Their leadership comes at an important time for apprenticeships, and we look forward to continuing to play our part in inspiring young people, supporting employers and ensuring apprenticeships remain visible, valued and accessible to all. What have you been up to? Help us capture your Ambassador activity  Quarterly Ambassador Activity ReturnsAs we reach the end of the April to June quarter, please take a few minutes to complete your EMAAN Ambassador activity return. Your updates help us show the real impact of the network across the East Midlands, from school and college engagement to employer support, apprentice talks, careers events, mentoring, partnership work and social media activity. Every return counts. It helps us evidence our progress, celebrate the work happening across the region and make sure Ambassador contributions are recognised. Please complete your quarterly return using the link below: Thank you for everything you have done this quarter to champion apprenticeships. |
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Apprentice Ambassadors Summer Social Picnic We’re pleased to invite Apprentice Ambassadors to join us for a relaxed summer social picnic at Abbey Park in Leicester. This will be an informal opportunity to catch up, meet fellow Ambassadors and enjoy some time outdoors together. Picnic food will be provided, so you just need to bring yourself, a blanket or chair, and anything else you might like for a relaxed evening in the park. Date: 17 July 2026Time: 5pm onwards Location: Abbey Park, Leicester We would love to see as many of you there as possible. Please let us know if you can make it so we can plan food and arrangements. Click here to let us know you want to attend We look forward to seeing you there. |
 Apprentice speakers wanted: AI, STEM and future skillsAre you completing an AI-focused apprenticeship, using AI in your role or seeing how technology is changing the way your organisation works? We are looking for apprentices to share their real-world experiences at the online AI, STEM and the Future Skills Workforce conference on 28 July 2026, 12:30–16:00, delivered in partnership with BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. You do not need to be an expert. We are keen to hear honest perspectives on what you are learning and what AI could mean for future careers and skills. To volunteer as a speaker, email bobbyramsay@the-SBSA.com with a short introduction to your apprenticeship, role and experience of AI. If you just want to attend you can also register for free below. |
 Be featured on the EMAAN websiteWe are looking for more Apprentice and Employer Ambassadors to feature on the EMAAN website. It is a simple way to share your story, celebrate the difference you are making and inspire others to get involved in apprenticeships. Apprentice Ambassadors: send a short bio, your apprenticeship details, the activities you have supported and why you became an Ambassador. Employer Ambassadors: send a short overview of your organisation, the apprenticeships you offer and why being part of EMAAN matters to you. Click here to submit information for the website  EMAAN Podcast Season 2 - last call for sign upsWe are delighted to invite 5 Employers to take part in our next Apprenticeship Podcast Recording Event. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your apprenticeship programme, discuss the benefits apprentices bring to your organisation, and share practical tips for aspiring apprentices looking to start their careers. We would also love to hear your thoughts on topics such as:
No previous podcast experience required. Our aim is to create engaging content that inspires future apprentices while providing valuable insights for employers and businesses considering apprenticeships. As a fun added bonus, we are also looking for apprentices who would be interested in interviewing their employers during the recording session. This will provide a unique opportunity to showcase the apprentice-employer relationship and hear first-hand experiences from both perspectives. If you would like to take part, please register your interest in the below link: Click here to register your interest  Upcoming opportunities to get involved We have a wide range of school and college events coming up across the region. These opportunities are a fantastic way to represent EMAAN, inspire the next generation, and support employers, educators, students and parents in understanding apprenticeships. Whether you can support a single event or multiple activities, your contribution makes a real difference. If you would like to volunteer your time and get involved, please get in touch with the EMAAN team. Featured eventsSouth Nottinghamshire Academy, Year 10 Careers Day13 JulyCounty: Nottinghamshire South Nottinghamshire Academy is looking for Ambassador support during its Year 10 Careers Week. The session will help students explore their options after Year 11 and better understand the apprenticeship landscape. This is a great opportunity to share your experience and help young people see the different routes available to them. Wrenn School, STEM Apprenticeship PanelDate to be confirmedCounty: Northamptonshire Wrenn School is looking for up to five apprentices working in STEM-related roles to take part in an apprenticeship panel. Students will hear directly from apprentices about their role, day-to-day work and career journey before taking part in a Q&A. This is a brilliant opportunity to inspire young people to consider STEM apprenticeship pathways. July 20267 July, 8:30am to 12:30pm Landau Forte College Derby, Year 12 Mock Interviews County: Derbyshire 7 July, 9:00am to 2:30pm Carlton Le Willows Academy, Year 10 Careers Fair County: Nottinghamshire 7 July, 1:15pm to 3:15pm St Thomas More CVA Buxton, Careers Fair County: Derbyshire 7 July, 2:10pm to 2:50pm Redhill Trust Academy, Apprenticeship Ambassador Talk and Q&A Session County: Nottinghamshire 8 July, 8:40am to 10:50am St Mary’s Catholic High School, Speed Networking County: Derbyshire 8 July Arnold Hill Spencer Academy, Year 10 Next Steps Day County: Nottinghamshire 8 July Walton Academy, Next Steps Day County: Lincolnshire 9 July Little Over Community School, County: Derbyshire 10 July, 1:30pm to 3:30pm Hope Valley College, Careers Fair County: Derbyshire 13 July South Nottinghamshire Academy, Year 10 Careers Day County: Nottinghamshire 13 July, 8:40am to 3:15pm Outwood Academy Newbold, Year 10 Mock Interviews County: Derbyshire 17 July The Minster School, Year 10 Progression Event, Southwell County: Nottinghamshire 21 July, 8:40am to 3:15pm Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Employer Day County: Derbyshire 21 July, 8:40am to 3:10pm Derby Cathedral School, Careers Day County: Derbyshire 21 July, 1:00pm to 3:30pm The Nottingham Emmanuel School, Year 12 Mock Interview Event County: Nottinghamshire 21 July Nottingham Academy, Mock Interview Day County: Nottinghamshire 21 July Higham Lane School, Sixth Form Apprenticeship Talk County: Warwickshire September 20269 September, Haven High, Careers Fair County: Lincolnshire 17 September, 5:00pm to 8:00pm Sir Christopher Hatton Academy, Year 11 Post-16 Information Evening County: Northamptonshire 17 September, The Brunts Academy, Careers Fair County: Nottinghamshire 22 September Lancaster Academy, Careers Fair County: Leicestershire 29 September Skegness Grammar School, Professionals Day County: Lincolnshire October 20265 October, 3:30pm to 7:00pm Rushey Mead Academy, Post-16 Careers Fair County: Leicestershire 8 October, 5:00pm to 7:30pm The Fernwood School, Careers Convention County: Nottinghamshire 8 October, 11:00 to 15:15 Cowley Academy, Careers Fair County: Nottinghamshire 10 October The Priory Belvoir Academy, KS4 Information Event County: Leicestershire 13 October Judgemeadow Community College, College and Careers Fair County: Leicestershire 15 October, 11:00 to 15:15 Bourne Academy , Careers Fair County: Nottinghamshire 22 October, 4:30pm to 6:30pm Granville Academy, Careers Fair County: Derbyshire November 20262 November, 8:30am to 1:50pm The Bemrose School, Year 8 Enterprise Day County: Derbyshire 5 November, 11:00 to 15:15 Spalding Academy, Careers Fair County: Nottinghamshire 10 November, 12:40pm to 4:30pm David Nieper Academy, Careers Fair County: Derbyshire 8 October, 11:00 to 15:15 Giles Academy, Careers Fair County: Nottinghamshire December 20261 & 2 December The Brunts Academy, Mock Interviews County: Nottinghamshire Flexible opportunitiesWrenn School, Wellingborough STEM Apprenticeship Panel County: Northamptonshire Magnus Academy Careers Fair County: Nottinghamshire Rawlins Academy Year 10 Careers Day, including mock interviews and an apprenticeship guest speaker session County: Leicestershire Looking ahead to 202714 January 2027 Skegness Grammar School, Annual Careers Fair County: Lincolnshire 4 March 2027 Rushey Mead Academy, Apprenticeship Information Assembly County: Leicestershire 9 March 2027 Lancaster Academy, Living Library County: Leicestershire 6 May 2027 Lancaster Academy, Year 10 Taster Workshops County: Leicestershire Get involvedIf you can support any of the opportunities above, please contact the EMAAN team. Let’s continue to inspire, support and create opportunities together.
Email us here to sign up to one of the outreach event A final wordAs we wrap up this month’s newsletter, we want to say a huge thank you to every Ambassador who continues to give their time, experience and enthusiasm to EMAAN. Whether you have supported an event, shared your story, spoken to young people, connected with an employer or simply helped spread the word about apprenticeships, your contribution matters. We are always keen to celebrate the people and activity across our network, so please keep sharing your news with us. It could be a graduation, promotion, new apprenticeship start, event, achievement or a brilliant example of Ambassador activity. Let’s keep recognising the impact being made across the East Midlands. To share this newsletter with someone else, please use the link below. |
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