The events industry has faced a recruitment crunch since the pandemic, with many experienced professionals moving into other sectors.

Apprenticeships can be an effective solution if you’re looking for junior colleagues – allowing you to train new recruits in the specific skills your business needs, whether that’s venue finding, supplier management, AV production or client relationship building.

Alex Palmer, founder of Kina Events, says:

This isn’t just about giving someone their first step on the ladder.

“Apprentices can inject energy, fresh thinking and ambition into events teams, while ensuring we’re developing the skilled professionals our industry needs for the future.”

In 2023/24, more than 750,000 people across all sectors in the UK took part in apprenticeship programmes. Research shows that more than 90% of apprentices stay in employment after completing their training – often with the same employer, a clear indication of the long-term value apprenticeships can offer.

Unlike temporary or agency staff, you can work with apprentices from day one to ensure their work reflects your organisation’s values, culture and service standards.

Apprenticeships also open the door to candidates who may not have a degree or traditional industry connections, helping you attract a broader range of perspectives and experiences – something that can fuel creativity and improve problem-solving across your team.

Earn while you learn

Most UK event management apprenticeships run for one to two years, blending on-the-job training with formal study from an accredited training provider.

Apprentices are employed and earn a salary while learning, with training costs partially or fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy (for larger employers) or government contributions (for smaller ones).

A typical programme might cover:

• Event planning and delivery – from concept to completion
• Supplier and budget management
• Health, safety and compliance
• Sustainability best practices
• Customer service and client communication.

This means apprentices finish the programme not with theoretical and technical knowledge, but also valuable real-world experience that truly prepares them for a career in the fast-paced events industry.

Supporting apprenticeships can boost your company’s reputation, demonstrating your commitment to the future of the events industry and strengthening your brand with clients, partners and prospective employees.

Staff feel valued

Investing in a new apprentice’s development also sends a strong message to your existing team that you value career growth and are committed to nurturing talent, which can help improve retention.

However, for apprenticeships to be successful, it takes plenty of planning and commitment.

Here are our top 10 tips for making apprenticeships work:

1. Create a detailed training plan – define learning milestones, practical experiences and key responsibilities so progress can be tracked
2. Provide variety – rotate apprentices through different departments or event types to broaden their experience
3. Offer genuine responsibility – let apprentices take ownership of small projects or parts of larger events so they can build up their confidence
4. Give regular feedback – schedule monthly check-ins to review progress and identify areas for improvement
5. Celebrate achievements – recognising milestones keeps motivation high and shows their contribution matters
6. Encourage professional networking – take them to industry events, supplier meetings and site visits to grow their contacts
7. Support formal learning – ensure they have time and resources to complete their off-the-job training
8. Pair them with a mentor – a go-to person for advice can make the apprenticeship less daunting and more rewarding
9. Promote reflection – encourage them to keep a learning journal or project log to track growth and build their portfolio
10. Set career pathways – discuss potential progression paths early on so they see a future with your organisation.

Apprenticeships offer a practical, cost-effective way to bring fresh talent into the industry. 

But done well, they’re more than just a recruitment tool – they’re an investment in resilience, innovation and growth for the events sector.

If you have any questions or would like some help planning your business events, please contact the Kina Events team on 0207 205 7901 or send us an email.