National Apprenticeship Week: Turning Opportunity into Real Inclusion

For many young people, apprenticeships provide a direct route into industries that might otherwise feel out of reach. But this National Apprenticeship Week we want to spotlight that access is not just about making roles available, it means making sure individuals from every background have the confidence, guidance and practical preparation they need to take that next step and thrive.

At Acrobat Talent, we see every day that talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not.

The Access Gap in Apprenticeships

Across all sectors there are significant barriers that disproportionately affect individuals from underrepresented backgrounds.

These can include:

• Lack of awareness about apprenticeship pathways
• Limited access to professional networks
• Financial constraints
• Lower levels of career confidence
• Absence of visible role models
• Unfamiliarity with application and interview processes

For some candidates, particularly those who are first in their family to enter the industry, the recruitment process can feel opaque and intimidating. Without guidance, even highly capable individuals can self-select out before they begin.

True inclusion means not only opening the door but walking alongside candidates as they step through it.

DEI is about structure, not just intention

Diversity initiatives are often discussed at a strategic level, but inclusion is delivered through practical action. Accessibility across the DEI spectrum means considering:

• Socioeconomic background
• Gender representation in male-dominated industries
• Ethnicity and cultural background
• Neurodiversity
• Disability
• Geographic access to opportunities
• Confidence and social capital

In sectors such as property, construction and infrastructure, these considerations are particularly important. The industry is evolving, but progress depends on sustained, structured effort.

Beyond the Buzzwords: Apprentices Leading the DEI Conversation

This week, degree apprentices Destiny Gerry of Montagu Evans, Canndy G of Places for London, and Bidwells Project Manager apprentice Ayeisha Kone-Massouma launched their podcast 'On Site On Mic', a built-environment podcast exploring careers, leadership, recruitment, diversity and professional growth.

Hosted by young professionals navigating the industry themselves, the podcast creates space for honest conversations about access, progression and what it really takes to build a long-term career.

Listen to the first episode 'DEI Beyond the Buzzwords' below, and follow for future episodes via Spotify.

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Ahead of the next episode, some takeaways from 'DEI Beyond the Buzzwords' were the discussions around mentorship, visibility and workplace culture. It reinforces what we see every day: access is shaped by guidance.

Preparing Candidates Who May Not Have Access to Confidence

One of the most significant barriers we encounter at Acrobat Talent is not ability, but belief. Candidates who have not grown up around professional networks often lack interview experience and confidence to advocate for themselves (another topic covered in the podcast). Acrobat Talent bridges that gap.

Our support includes:

• Structured preparation - We break down the apprenticeship process step by step, ensuring candidates understand what to expect at each stage.
• Application coaching - From CV guidance to competency-based responses, we help candidates articulate their strengths clearly and professionally.
• Interview readiness - We coach candidates and demystify common industry questions.
• Confidence-building conversations - We create a safe environment where candidates can ask questions without fear of judgement.
• Ongoing guidance - Support does not end at placement. We remain a sounding board as candidates transition into the workplace.

This level of guidance is particularly powerful for individuals who may not have family or community members in the industry. When someone believes they belong, they perform differently.

The Role of Mentorship

Finally, in On Site On Mic, discussions led to the importance of finding a mentor in the workplace. Mentorship can accelerate learning, provide reassurance and help individuals navigate challenges that might otherwise derail early career progression.

We actively encourage candidates to seek out mentors and, where possible, connect them with environments that prioritise structured support. Mentorship transforms access into progression.

Without it, representation can stall. With it, careers flourish.

Building Sustainable Careers, Not Just Placements

Accessibility is not a one-off initiative. It is an ongoing commitment to fairness in preparation, recruitment and progression.

For employers, widening access to apprenticeships strengthens the talent pipeline and drives innovation. For candidates, it provides stability, purpose and long-term professional growth.

For us at Acrobat Talent, it is about ensuring that those who might not otherwise have access to confidence, networks or resources are not left behind.

When apprenticeships are genuinely accessible, industries become stronger, more representative and more resilient. The next generation shaping the future of the built environment deserves more than opportunity. They deserve support, guidance and belief. And that is exactly what we aim to provide.

Congratulations to the On Site On Mic team on their debut episode - we look forward to hearing more.

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