Young people from County Durham are getting a helping hand on their career journeys this week.
The ApprenticeReady Expo will see students take part in a high-energy all-you-need-to-know event that will explain the A-Z of apprenticeships and teach them how to stand out from the crowd in applications and interviews.
The event, taking place today and tomorrow at Durham’s Riverside Cricket Ground, will offer Year 13 students from County Durham schools and colleges the chance to connect with current apprentices and network with local employers actively seeking new talent.
The expo, organised by the North East Combined Authority’s North East Ambition team, is in response to Year 13 student feedback which highlighted a need for more support in finding and applying for apprenticeships.
Students will benefit from hands-on workshops covering key topics such as accessing vacancies, excelling at recruitment and selection processes, and meeting local employers who have apprenticeship vacancies starting from September 2025. Students will be guided through the event by Loud Speaker – a company that helps young people with everything they need to set aspirations and achieve those goals. The Loud Speaker crew will be sharing tools which encourage young people to aim high, speak professionally and develop the confidence to take up apprenticeship opportunities.
Councillor Tracey Dixon, Portfolio Lead for Education, inclusion, and skills at the North East Combined Authority, said: “The ApprenticeReady Expo is an exciting new approach empowering young people with the confidence and skills they need to secure rewarding apprenticeships.
“The expo has been designed to accelerate the uptake of apprenticeships across the North East, aiming to attract and inspire young people by helping them unlock their talents and prepare for careers in our region’s growing industries.”
Councillor Amanda Hopgood, Leader of Durham County Council, said: “We’re thrilled to host this inaugural expo, which combines inspiration with practical support. Our ambition is to equip young people with skills that not only meet industry demands but also ignite a passion for learning and growth.
“By bringing students and employers together, we’re inspiring the next generation to embrace the valuable career opportunities offered by apprenticeships here in the North East. At Durham County Council, we are passionate about our own apprenticeship programme and we are excited to meet students and show how apprenticeships can provide an excellent pathway for anyone wanting to begin their career.”
The event is part of Early Connect, a pilot programme funded by the Department for Education (DfE) in partnership with UCAS. The pilot builds on existing national resources and regional apprenticeship delivery partners to provide Year 13 students with exclusive access to additional apprenticeship support and resources tailored to their needs and provides employers with new opportunities to showcase their apprenticeships to a wider audience.
For more information and to explore apprenticeship career resources, visit Early Connect - North East Ambition and Early Connect Business - North East Ambition
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