Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems UK is a part of the global Knorr-Bremse Group. Knorr-Bremse design, manufacture and support systems for all types of rail vehicles, from trams to high-speed trains. Continuous innovation means that Knorr-Bremse is always developing new solutions to offer customers ever higher levels of safety and performance whilst reducing environmental impact.

The apprentice programme provides a great opportunity to capture young talent and focus training in line with the needs of our business. We have dedicated management support to make the most of these opportunities, to maximise the apprentice experience and the benefits to the business.

We feel connected with a network of people passionate about apprenticeships, sharing their insights into the common challenges, and inspired by the many initiatives being rolled out to grow and strengthen apprenticeships. We have also been impressed by presentations from the Apprentice Ambassadors (AAN). It is clear they have gained skills and confidence from acting as representatives with the training and opportunities this brings and the culture of knowledge-sharing it promotes. And a few of our apprentices are keen to sign up to this to help promote apprenticeships in our area.

Longleat Enterprises Ltd is the number one safari park in the UK.  Our mission is to provide unique, immersive and authentic experiences, protecting and preserving our natural and built heritage whilst maintaining a stable business with long-term growth opportunities. Longleat’s growth depends on its colleagues and their development and we have been running apprenticeships since 2017 as part of our development program.

We have seen the benefits that apprenticeships can deliver when upskilling and developing our colleagues for the future.  And we are proud to be part of SWAAN, the South West Apprenticeships Ambassador Network.

RSM is a leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services to middle market leaders, globally. As an integrated team, we share skills, insight and resources, as well as a client-centric, collaborative approach that’s based on a deep understanding of our clients’ businesses.

We are passionate about apprenticeships and the value to the individual and the business. SWAAN provides us with the opportunity to highlight the benefits of apprenticeships within the professional services industry.

Voluntary Action Swindon (VAS) is the Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) in Swindon. We are a charity which supports other charities and coordinates voluntary activity in the local area, as opposed to a frontline charity which supports individuals directly.

A CVS is also a forum through which local voluntary and community organisations and statutory sector organisations can communicate with each other and work together.

At VAS, we have recruited a Level 3 Business Admin Apprentice. We are championing apprenticeships to the voluntary and charity sector – primarily an SME audience. As a sector, there are very few opportunities for apprentices and this is something that we would like to change in Swindon in partnership with Swindon Borough Council and as an Apprenticeship Ambassador.

Wiltshire Council delivers more than 350 services to the people of Wiltshire, from public health and social care to planning and street maintenance, schools and libraries. We’re a forward-thinking council that’s always ready to embrace new ideas. And we recognise a good idea can come from anyone, at any level. That’s why we encourage our people to be innovative and find new ways to tackle old issues. Our values support this and make us unique; we embrace change, treat everyone fairly and value diversity.

We offer a range of apprenticeships to new applicants; our biggest programme is our Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship as this is a great entry route into the Council and to learn about the different services areas. We offer the opportunity from here to progress in your job role and we aim to support staff who want to gain degree apprenticeships.

Wincanton is a leading supply chain partner for British business, providing supply chain solutions up and down the country with 19,500 colleagues working across more than 160 sites. A trusted partner to many of the UK’s most recognisable brands and influential public bodies.

We are committed to supporting our people to develop and progress their careers with Wincanton and this remains central to our People strategy. Our apprenticeship programmes have been developed to both upskill our existing workforce and attract new colleagues, empowering them to think and behave differently as well as targeting key skills shortages in the industry.

Being part of the network, it’s so motivational and inspiring to hear and learn from other Ambassadors about their organisation’s experiences and best practice with apprenticeships and benefit greatly from being kept up to date with related changes and initiatives. I feel proud to be a member of SWAAN.