Helping business in Lancashire: The benefits of being part of the North West Apprenticeship Ambassador Network
Whether you’re an apprentice or an employer who has taken on apprentices, then being part of this network could benefit not just you, but the whole region.
If you’re passionate about developing your workforce and believe in apprenticeships, then you could help share your knowledge and enthusiasm with others to build a stronger, skilled workforce across the North West.
The North West Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (NWAAN) is part of the National Apprenticeship Ambassador Network and works closely with a range of key stakeholders including colleges, schools, employers and their supply chains, trade associations and employment bodies across the region to “fly the flag” for apprenticeships.
They are calling on employers and apprentices to get in touch and find out more about joining the network to see what they can do to encourage, support and enthuse others to become part of the apprenticeship movement.
Could you be an ambassador?
Ambassadors are passionate about apprenticeships and are keen to promote the apprenticeship route to other employers and potential new apprentices. They champion and support marketing, publicity and events to raise awareness of apprenticeships and mentor other ambassadors.
- Meeting other employer ambassadors and growing your network
- Sharing your knowledge, experience and best practice
- Being a role model and providing support to other ambassadors
- Championing the delivery of apprenticeships within your networks
As an employer ambassador, you will benefit from engaging with other businesses, boosting your company profile, help with apprenticeships and more.
The employer network works in conjunction with the Apprentice Ambassador Network, a community of inspiring, driven apprentices and former apprentices who love to share their apprenticeship experiences in their local area.
Call out to apprentices
Apprentice ambassadors support a variety of events and activities that aim to share their experience as an apprentice to inspire and inform future apprentices in making informed career choices.
- in person and online presentations at local schools or colleges
- attending and speaking to people at career events
- supporting mock assessment centre workshops
- participating in social media campaigns
- sharing experiences using blogs, videos, and formal case studies
Ambassadors are invited to take part in various projects and campaigns. Previous members have presented at awards ceremonies, spoken in the House of Commons, attended high profile events and more.
As an apprentice ambassador, you will boost your professional and personal skills, build your network, access fantastic training and development resources and more.
“We want our ambassador network to reflect the strength of the region so if you employ apprentices within your organisation or are a current/ former apprentice and want to share your experiences, get involved by joining as an ambassador,” said Craig Watson, NWAAN member and managing director of Blackwatch Associates, a management consultancy that provides services to businesses across a variety of sectors.
To find out more about what the NWAAN does, please visit its regional portal here or contact [email protected]
Lancashire Post Apprenticeship Awards 2025
NWAAN is once again a sponsor of the Lancashire Post Apprenticeship Awards. Now in its fourth year, the event features 14 award categories, recognising the achievements of apprentices, employers and training providers.
This sell-out occasion attracts more than 286 attendees, including apprentices, training providers and businesses running apprenticeship programs.
The deadline for nominations is Wednesday March 26 and to find out more about the categories or make a nomination click here. The awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 15 at Preston North End Stadium.