Episode 15: Apprenticeships + Youth Motivational Speaker

In this week's episode, Daryoush speaks to Tamara at Kirklees College about Apprenticeships and Josh speaks to Claire about becoming a motivational youth speaker. 

 

If you would like to become a youth speaker why not consider these steps:

1. Define Your Message

Think about:

• What issue or experience do you care deeply about?

• What do you want others to learn or feel?

• What change do you want to inspire?

2. Develop Your Speaking Skills

• Practice your story or talk out loud.

• Join speaking groups like:

  • https://speakerstrust.org/

  • English Speaking Union https://www.esu.org 

• Take part in school debates, assemblies, or talent shows.

• Record yourself and reflect on tone, clarity, and confidence.

3. Get Involved in Youth Voice Opportunities

These organisations offer real platforms for youth to speak up:

• British Youth Council
  Opportunities to join youth panels, campaigns, and UK Youth Parliament.
  https://nya.org.uk/byc/

• UK Youth Parliament (Run by BYC)
  Stand for election or get involved in debates at the House of Commons.
  https://nya.org.uk/ukyp/

•  

• The Diana Award
  Youth-led programmes and ambassador opportunities.
  https://diana-award.org.uk/

• YoungMinds Activists Programme
  Become a youth mental health advocate and speak on national platforms.
  https://www.youngminds.org.uk/support-us/join-the-movement/become-a-youngminds-activist/

If you would like help finding out more and applying for an apprenticeship:

1. Search your local college such as Kirklees College, Calderdale College or a college near you. 

2. Visit the GOV.UK – Find an Apprenticeship site

This is the official government portal where you can search and apply for apprenticeships across England. You can filter opportunities by location, industry, and level. Creating an account allows you to save vacancies, set up alerts, and track your applications. https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

2. UCAS – Apprenticeships

UCAS offers a platform to explore apprenticeship options alongside traditional university courses. You can compare different pathways and find the one that suits you best.

https://www.ucas.com/apprenticeships

3. Local Careers Services

Contact your local careers services such as C+K Careers or visit local apprenticeship events as these are usually attended by organisations that are looking to recruit young people

https://ck.mydirections.co.uk/

4. National Careers Service

Provides guidance on choosing the right apprenticeship, writing applications, and preparing for interviews. They also offer personalized advice through their helpline and webchat services.

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/