Businesses in Hitchin come together to champion apprenticeships at National Apprenticeship Week breakfast

Amazing Apprenticeships partnered with Willmott Dixon and local MP, Alistair Strathern, to host a Business Breakfast in Hitchin, bringing employers together to spotlight the impact of apprenticeships and work experience during National Apprenticeship Week.

Held at Willmott Dixon and welcoming 20 businesses from the Wilbury Way Industrial Estate and surrounding area, the event created space for employers to connect, share insights and explore how they can support local young people to discover career opportunities on their doorstep.

Attendees heard from Natalie Sidey, Social Value Manager at Willmott Dixon, who shared the organisation’s commitment to strengthening local employer networks. She highlighted the value of collaboration across the estate, saying:

“We’ve been based on this industrial estate since 2014, and part of our work with Hertfordshire Futures is about bringing businesses together to create more opportunities for young people. There are so many different industries here that people don’t know about. If we can help open those doors and show what’s happening in Hitchin, the impact for local schools and communities could be huge.”

Local MP, Alistair Strathern, spoke about the importance of helping young people understand the breadth of careers available locally. Reflecting on the strength of Hitchin’s employer community, he said:

“There are so many rich, interesting and innovative employers in Hitchin, particularly on this estate, that people aren’t always aware of. It’s a real shame when young people don’t realise the fantastic opportunities right on their doorstep. Events like today, and the programmes run by Willmott Dixon and Amazing Apprenticeships, are vital in connecting talented young people with the brilliant businesses building world-leading work in our town”.

Anna Morrison CBE, Founder and Director of Amazing Apprenticeships, provided an overview of the apprenticeship and work experience landscape, outlining how employers can engage with early talent to support workforce development.  She emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration between education and industry to help young people access meaningful pathways into work.

The breakfast forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen links between employers across Hitchin, alongside education, helping more young people access opportunities locally through apprenticeships and work experience.