Access Further Education announce new creative & digital apprenticeship training initiative

Access Further Education, the group behind Access Creative College, dBs Institute and Access Sport proudly announces the launch of Access Industry, its premier apprenticeship training initiative, aimed at revolutionising the creative and digital apprenticeship landscape. Access Industry serves to connect employers with talent from one of the country’s most prestigious creative college brands, with multiple industry-leading organisations already involved.

Access Industry’s partnerships with prestigious employers reinforces the industry's recognition of Access as a hub for nurturing top creative and digital professionals. The likes of entertainment and media giant Disney, world-renowned Royal Opera House, the capital’s iconic Royal Albert Hall, cutting-edge arts and culture event Manchester International Festival, leading live event tech company PRG and more are all collaborating to offer vital first-hand experience.

Access Industry distinguishes itself from conventional apprenticeship schemes through its targeted focus on the creative and digital sectors, particularly in music, events, marketing, digital, software, media and related fields. Unlike typical apprenticeship programmes, Access Industry has a unique history as it took over apprenticeships from the government's National Colleges initiative, demonstrating its adaptability and commitment to excellence. The decision to evolve from the original brand last year, while retaining employer support, showcases Access Industry's proactive approach to brand development.

Not only will Access Industry give young professionals imperative hands-on experience in their chosen industry, but it will nurture the industry’s future. Eclipse, one of the leading event management companies in London said: “Taking on an apprentice is crucial for organisations to foster a culture of mentorship, pass on industry-specific knowledge, and invest in the development of the next generation of skilled professionals, ensuring a sustainable and dynamic workforce for the future.”. A GOVUK study revealed that “74 per cent of employers say that apprentices improved products or service quality, and 78 per cent say that they improved productivity”, suggesting securing an apprenticeship through Access Industry could be very worthwhile for an organisation.

It will also give employers a direct and smooth experience, from sourcing the best talent in the creative industries and support throughout the apprenticeship to its completion. Speaking on the programme, PRG said “Their bespoke service not only meets but exceeds our expectations, ensuring a seamless and enriching learning experience for our apprentices. Access Industry's commitment to personalised support and guidance sets the standard for exceptional partnership working in the realm of live event education”. A recent internal survey showed “87.4% of employers agree that the training provided by the Access Industry team is relevant and in line with current industry standards”.

Access Industry is also proud to announce its upcoming Access Talent events, a series of events taking place across the four cities. Day one will focus on pairing employers with prospective events apprentices, while day two targets marketing and digital apprentices. Access Industry will give employers exclusive access to 4,000 16+ students, ensuring an effective placement with full support across the process. Join Access Industry for a game-changing experience where they aim to make apprenticeship recruitment seamless, nurturing connections that drive future success for both businesses and top talent.