• Swindon & Wiltshire Education, training and skills
• Tuesday January 28 2025
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Swindon’s top employers seek to attract new talent at Appren-T-Fest 2025

Some of Swindon’s top employers will attend a festival of apprenticeships, hoping to attract new talent to their organisations.

BMW Group UK, Zurich Insurance, Colas Rail, Great Western Railway, and Historic England are among the 35 businesses promoting their apprentice schemes at Swindon New College’s Appren-T-Fest 2025.

Hosted at the STEAM Museum on Tuesday, February 11 – during National Apprenticeship Week (February 10 to 16) – the event will also feature talks from industry professional guest speakers who will share their experiences and offer practical advice to students.

The line-up includes Mike Holliday of Gloucestershire & Wiltshire Partnership; Emma Newton, talent engagement specialist at Dick Lovett; Chris Duke, CAD/BIM Manager at AECOM; Daniel Busson, chief operating officer at WFM (Workforce Management Software); and Andy O’Neill, talent acquisition partner at Novuna Vehicle Solutions.

Rachel Gear, head of business development and employer partnerships at New College Swindon, said: “Events like Appren-T-Fest bridge the gap between education and employment, helping businesses connect with the workforce of the future while giving attendees hands-on insights into industry expectations and opportunities.”

Last year’s event attracted 600 visitors at the ‘twilight session’, which runs from 4pm to 7pm.

Students and parents can register for free tickets for the event at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/appren-t-fest-twilight-session-tickets-1105467345589