The East Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network works with schools and colleges across the region to support high-quality, meaningful careers education.
Our ambassadors are current or former apprentices and employers who share real experiences of apprenticeships, helping learners understand what apprenticeships are, how they work, and where they can lead.
We focus on honest conversations, relatable role models and practical insight that complements existing careers programmes.
Who this support is for
EMAAN works with:
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Secondary schools
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Sixth forms
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Further education colleges
Our activity supports learners at different stages, including:
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Key Stage 3
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Key Stage 4
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Post-16 and post-18 learners
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Career Changers
Sessions are adapted to suit the age, setting and needs of the audience.
What support looks like
EMAAN ambassadors can support a wide range of activity, including assemblies and talks, workshops and small group sessions, careers fairs and events.
Ambassadors help bring apprenticeships into conversations alongside other routes, ensuring learners can make informed choices. Sessions are designed to feel approachable and relatable, not scripted or sales-led. They allow learners to explore apprenticeships in more depth and build confidence in asking questions.
Assemblies and talks
Ambassadors deliver engaging talks that explain:
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What an apprenticeship is
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How apprenticeships compare with other routes
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The range of roles and sectors available
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Real journeys, challenges and successes
Workshops and small group sessions
For more interactive engagement, ambassadors:
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Take part in workshops or classroom sessions
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Support careers lessons or themed days
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Join Q&A sessions where learners can ask honest questions
Careers fairs
EMAAN ambassadors regularly attend:
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Careers fairs
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Options evenings
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Parent and learner events
Events
EMAAN ambassadors regularly attend:
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Themed careers events
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Skilled careers events
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Conferences and education events
What learners gain from ambassador sessions
Students benefit from hearing directly from people who have chosen an apprenticeship route.
Sessions help learners to:
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Understand apprenticeships as a real job with training
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See the breadth of opportunities across sectors
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Learn about progression, pay and qualifications
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Hear honest experiences, including challenges and growth
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Build confidence in considering apprenticeships as an option
Ambassadors are encouraged to share their own journey in a way that feels authentic and age-appropriate.
Please note however our ambassadors are volunteers and are not careers teachers.
How sessions are delivered
EMAAN sessions can be:
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In person
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Online
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One-off or part of a wider programme
Ambassadors are supported and prepared, and sessions are designed to be inclusive and accessible.
We work with schools and colleges to:
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Understand your setting and audience
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Match the right ambassador where possible
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Agree session format
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Ensure activity aligns with available ambassadors
*Please note we do not guarantee sessions as these are run by volunteers, please speak to the team when requesting for more information.
Why work with EMAAN?
Schools and colleges choose to work with EMAAN because:
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Ambassadors provide real, lived experience
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Sessions feel relatable and engaging
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Activity supports informed decision-making
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Apprenticeships are presented clearly and honestly
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Learners hear from people closer to their own age and experience
EMAAN activity complements, rather than replaces, existing careers guidance.
