The seventh annual Apprenticeship Fair, organised by five Kent MPs, took place at Maidstone Leisure Centre and welcomed over 1,000 students from schools across Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Faversham, and the Weald of Kent. Employers ranged from global giants like Google, Amazon, British Airways, and Transport for London to local businesses. The event featured a diverse range of career opportunities across sectors such as technology, healthcare, construction, and hospitality. The MPs hosting this event were Helen Whately MP, Helen Grant MP, Laura Trott MP and Katie Lam MP. Kent’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott also attended the event.
This year’s Apprenticeship Fair comes at a critical time. With businesses grappling with employment costs due to the National Insurance changes announced in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, and job cuts seen in major supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s, apprenticeships are increasingly vital pathways into work. They also provide an alternative for young people amid rising university fees, as well as the financial challenges faced by universities like the University of Kent. The fair showcased how apprenticeships empower young people with hands-on skills while supporting businesses in building a skilled workforce.
See local coverage of the impact of: the budget on businesses here; supermarket job cuts here; redundancies at the University of Kent here; and apprenticeships in tackling unemployment here.
Helen Grant MP says: “Another fantastic apprenticeship fair this year!
It is great to see so many businesses returning for the 7th annual fair, attended by over 1300 local Kent pupils across the day.
I have always been a strong advocate for apprenticeships. They equip people with real-world skills and open doors to high-quality careers. They also provide employers with valuable new recruits for sustainable business growth and development.
From engineering to education, from healthcare to hospitality, and from transport to technology - apprenticeships empower individuals, strengthen industries and boost economies!
Alongside my Kent colleagues Helen Whately MP, Laura Trott MP and Katie Lam MP, I am proud to promote a proposition where everybody wins!”
Helen Whately MP says: "Our seventh annual Apprenticeship Fair was a resounding success. It was great to chat to students seizing the chance to learn about apprenticeships. Many students were discovering career options they had never thought of before.
“With a 100,000 more young people not in education, employment, or training since Labour took office last July, and many young people telling me they are struggling to get on the first rung of a career ladder, the apprenticeships fair is more important than ever.
I was delighted to see so many employers at the fair, despite the impact of the budget on hiring - with many businesses freezing recruitment because of the National Insurance tax rise. Local businesses, as well as larger ones like Google and Amazon, showed up in force.
Leaving school and entering the world of work is a big step in all of our lives. The more students know about what’s out there, the better chance they have of setting off on the right career path for them.”
Laura Trott MP says: “The Apprenticeship Fair is about helping young people connect with local employers, and it was great to hear that so many of the exhibitors were impressed with the quantity and quality of students in attendance.
“Apprenticeships are changing lives across Kent and I loved seeing the apprentices of the future start their journey."
Katie Lam MP says: “I was thrilled to see so many students attend the MPs’ Apprenticeship Fair on Friday. Apprenticeships are invaluable in helping young people develop rewarding careers, and for employers to develop a workforce with the right skills for the future.
“I am grateful to all the businesses who came along. It was fantastic to speak to the current cohort of apprentices who could tell current students about their increased confidence, skills and knowledge. I wish all the students luck as they start to consider the first steps in their careers.”
Tom Tugendhat MP says: “The Apprenticeship Fair offers young people a valuable chance to meet local employers and explore diverse career paths. Each year, it’s great to see so many students engaging with employers, and feedback from businesses highlights the talent in Tonbridge, Edenbridge, and the North Downs Villages. Apprenticeships open doors across Kent, and it’s inspiring to see the next generation take their first steps toward success.”
