Events Management Apprenticeships
Does the idea of throwing huge live music events or planning the next Kardashian/Jenner wedding sound thrilling? Is your mind bursting with exciting, innovative ideas even just thinking about how you could make the evening truly memorable?
If so, then a career in events management could just be for you!
Events management is a booming industry in the UK. In fact, it's worth over £42 billion annually. And with events on the rise again, there's a sea of opportunities for budding event planners like yourself.
Read our guide to events management apprenticeships to learn exactly what events management is, how events management apprenticeships work, and why you should do one.
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What does an events manager do?
Events management is pretty much exactly what it says on the tin! As an events manager, you will organise, manage and promote events as varied as the Olympics to Eurovision - or even a Bar Mitzvah.
To organise events, you'll likely work in a team and be required to have excellent communication, organisational and planning skills.
Predominantly, it's all about building customer relationships and ensuring that the events are what the client wants.
Some daily tasks include...
Writing proposals and coming up with event ideas
Recording sales information
Arranging supplier meetings
Monitoring conversion targets
Communication with clients
Health and safety training
Booking venues, entertainment and equipment
Keeping up to date with the latest event trends
Managing lost property
Site visits, industry conferences, and supplier showcases are also super important parts of the job.
By completing an apprenticeship in events management, you could work on organising events such as...
Weddings
Concerts
Live music festivals
Live sports - anything from cycling to football to athletics
Exhibitions
Product Launches
Award shows
Charity events
You might even get to work on international events!
What qualifications do I need to be an events manager?
One of the best things about the road to becoming an events manager is - you don't even need to attend uni.
An apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity to develop the skills and experience you need to throw the most iconic events.
The qualifications you need will depend on the apprenticeship you're applying for. An apprenticeship in events will come in the form of...
Level 2 (Intermediate) apprenticeship - To qualify for these apprenticeships, you'll need a minimum of two GCSEs graded 9-4 (A* to c) or equivalent. This can be a traineeship or relevant work experience.
Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeships - To qualify for these, you'll need five GCSEs graded at 9-4 (A*-C), including English & Maths, Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths, or a relevant Level 2 Apprenticeship.
The skills you need can be developed during your apprenticeship, but you would've picked up many of these during school and college.
Customer service skills
Attention to detail
Work well under pressure
Flexibility
Teamwork
Adaptable to change
Verbal and written communication skills
I.T skills (able to use Microsoft Office, Adobe programmes etc.)
How do events management apprenticeships work?
Events management is all about getting stuck in. So because it's such an involved profession, apprenticeships are an excellent way to get your foot into the door.
An apprenticeship in events management will allow you to gain on-the-job experience, industry-recognised qualifications and earn a full-time salary! So, you won't have to take out expensive student loans to kickstart your career.
As an events management apprentice, you will split your time between work and study. Spending around 80% of your time working and studying towards an industry-recognised qualification the remaining 20% of your time.
Although the exact structure of your events management will vary depending on your employer, all events management apprenticeships will provide you with the work experience and qualifications you need to open the door to a fulfilling career in events and earn a wage too!
"Since being here, I have enjoyed every minute. They offer so many opportunities and I do not think I would be the person I am today if I did not take on this apprenticeship. They have helped me grow in confidence, improve my communication skills, and welcomed me into the working world." (Events Apprentice at Christie's)
Find out what it's like to do an events apprenticeship with The Cornwall College Group.
How much does an events management apprenticeship pay?
If you didn't already catch on, apprentices earn cash money for their hard work.
Currently, the national minimum wage for anyone under 18 is £5.28. If you're between 18 and 20, it's £7.49.
You'll be delighted to hear employers pay well above the minimum wage.
How much you're paid depends on a variety of factors, including the level of apprenticeship and the employer.
For example, a level 2 apprenticeship could get you between £18,000 and £19,000 a year. Once you move up to level 3, you could earn up to £19,500 per year.
Once you qualify and gain more experience, the average salary for an entry-level position can be between £18,000 and £22,000 per year. You could earn as much as £40,000 or more at a senior manager level. So there's lots of money to be made.
What do you do in an events management apprenticeship?
Depending on your apprenticeship level, you won't start your career as a manager but, gradually work towards becoming one. Meaning there'll be a lot of responsibility coming your way from day one.
For example, you'll assist as a crew member for stage events, as a booking assistant, or even as support staff for an event.
You'll also assist in the day-to-day planning of events, shadowing an event manager and completing tasks to get the job done.
We've included some real-life examples of apprenticeships to give you an idea of the tasks you'll be doing.
Level 2 events management apprenticeships (Intermediate)
As the first step on the apprenticeship ladder, a Level 2 events management apprenticeship is a great way to kickstart your career.
Events Assistant
Programme Length: 12-18 months
Salary: £18,500 -19,0000 per year
Entry Requirements: Minimum two GCSEs graded 9-4 (A* to c) or equivalent
Responsibilities: Work under the instructions of an event manager, assume the role of ticket taker, welcome guests, inspect the equipment, and provide excellent customer service.
A level 2 apprenticeship is equal to five GCSEs and will allow you to move up a level or even straight into a full-time job. For more information, read our guide to Level 2 Apprenticeships.
"I really enjoy my programme because I have the opportunity to learn and develop my skills whilst working in a full-time job. It is extremely helpful to be able to undertake so much training and be part of the team at the same time, being treated as a full-time member of staff." (Level 2 Academic Administrator & Events Assistant Apprentice at University of Oxford)
Level 3 events management apprenticeships (Advanced)
Level 3 events management apprenticeships are the next step up the apprenticeship ladder.
Events Apprentice
Programme Length: 12-15 months
Salary: Up to £19,500 per year
Entry Requirements: five GCSEs graded at 9-4 (A*-C), including English & Maths, Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths, or a relevant Level 2 Apprenticeship
Responsibilities: Assisting with all events, including being in charge of the events calendar, overseeing the budget, writing event briefs, organising digital events, collecting guest data, leading events
"Coming from an events background, I have developed a lot of skills that I gained/discovered elsewhere... but I am finding new ways of staying organised every day. Fujitsu has put me onto lots of training courses which have helped me to develop my Project Management Skills and my Excel skills (which really needed developing!)." (Level 3 Communications and Events Apprentice at Fujitsu)
Want to find out more about level 3 apprenticeships, have a read of our guide to advanced apprenticeships.
Want to find out more about what it's really like to do an events apprenticeship? Have a read of our student-written reviews.
BROWSE APPRENTICESHIP REVIEWS
How can I apply for an events management apprenticeship?
So you have decided to take the leap and apply for an events management apprenticeship! We couldn't be prouder of you.
Now that the decision has been made, all that's left for you to do is craft a jaw-dropping application and convince your preferred employer to choose you.
To learn how to put your best foot forward, check out this advice from an events apprentice at the famous auction house Christie's;
Research the company at the very start of the application process - this will mean you can stand out from the rest by showing that you have been proactive and taken the time to learn about the business.
Be confident in yourself - getting into a negative mindset is easy, especially if you've not had much luck with past applications. By staying positive and confident, you will naturally be yourself and enjoy the experience much more.
Look up competency-type questions (e.g. tell us about a time when you were organised) and think/write down an example for each. I did this before the assessment day, and it helped me when I was faced with challenging questions because I had examples of times when I had shown a particular skill/quality fresh in my mind. Even if the assessor doesn't ask competency-type questions, you can still use your examples to show that you have the right skill set for the job.
The fun doesn't stop there. Read our blog on The Application Apprenticeship Journey to learn more. There's some top-tier application advice, including how to write a stellar CV/cover letter and the kinds of assessments you might have to do.