A Week of Opportunities – National Apprenticeship Week – South Thames Colleges Group
June 23, 2026
At South Thames Colleges Group, Schools and Business Partnerships offered a range of successful activities during National Apprenticeship Week across our four colleges, local libraries, JCP’s and schools to reach over 1,000 learners including our own students, prospective students, DWP clients, parents and carers. The teams engaged with 30 employers over the week, 12 of these were new employer contacts who were impressed with our student engagement;
“I particularly enjoyed the positive interaction between students and the welcoming environment.” (Printing Planet)
Over 200 South Thames College (STC) students and learners from 4 local schools attended the Tuesday morning Employer Fair where we had 17 employers exhibit from a range of industries including; Film production, Journalism, NHS, Childcare, Hospitality, Development, Construction and Renewables.
“I particularly enjoyed having meaningful conversations with students and pupils from all backgrounds. Imparting my knowledge or signposting was also key. I felt welcomed by the staff and look forward to developing partnership working” (Central London NHS).
On the Wednesday, 15 students from STC attended a one-day Dragons Den style event hosted by Roehampton University at their campus, while groups of STC Business students attended two Apprenticeship Insight Sessions at Wandsworth Council – they have been invited to apply for summer paid internship opportunities!
Business Partnerships offered an Employability skills and Apprenticeships session at Wandsworth JCP in the morning and Spear Charity in the afternoon reaching 17 adults 19+.
Feedback from Spear contact Miriam; “South Thames College Group came and hosted an apprenticeship session for our trainees, which was informative and insightful. The reaction from our trainees was really positive, with a lot feeling hopeful about applying for apprenticeships. I think that the session helped apprenticeships feel achievable and realistic for our young people, with the outcome hopefully being that we can work on applications with them…it was a really constructive and impactful session.”
On the Thursday evening at Carshalton College, the team held an Apprenticeships Information Evening where over 400 guests had registered for this event evidencing a strong interest in apprenticeships. 13 employers from a range of industries showcased opportunities and career pathways including; UK Border Security, Aim London, Equans, Cubic, The Shore Group, Positive+, Cardo Group, RBK, Murphy’s, Croydon NHS, Berkely Homes and Hill Group. Employers relayed that they felt the event was well organised and they enjoyed meeting people who seemed very engaged and interested in opportunities.
During the event, via repeat presentations, guests heard about how apprenticeships work, how to find an employer, entry requirements and opportunities.
