In a memorable start of term event that combined education, entertainment, and career exploration, Global Academy students embarked on a journey into the world of apprenticeships with a special twist. The event, held at one of Amazon’s largest fulfilment centers in the UK, celebrated the tenth anniversary of Amazon’s apprenticeship program and provided invaluable experiences our brand new Year 12 students.

The highlight of the day was a mesmerising performance by Brit-nominated, South London artist Cat Burns. This unique gig not only entertained but also inspired students, setting the tone for a day filled with learning and mentorship. One Year 12 student exclaimed, “Seeing Cat Burns live while learning about apprenticeships was incredible! It made the whole experience so much more engaging.”

Apart from the concert, students had the opportunity to explore the inner workings of Amazon’s fulfilment centre. Equipped with cutting-edge robotic technology, the centre showcased what happens behind the scenes when customers click ‘buy’ on the Amazon website. This behind-the-scenes tour left students in awe of the scale and sophistication of Amazon’s operations.

But the learning didn’t stop there. Students actively participated in career development activities and engaged in a mass mentoring session with Amazon apprentices, employees, and industry leaders from Lucozade and Havas. These mentors shared their career stories and provided invaluable advice, giving students a glimpse into potential career paths and opportunities.

The event was made possible by Apprentice Nation, an initiative produced by RockCorps and Multiverse, with support from BT and Lucozade. Their mission is to encourage historically underrepresented youth to explore apprenticeships and accessible career routes. By blending learning with entertainment through free concerts, live events, and on-demand learning series, Apprentice Nation aims to inspire and prepare young people for their careers.

Global Academy students left the event feeling better prepared to embark on apprenticeships and other early career paths. They not only gained insights into the world of work but also had the chance to experience a real-life music event, making this unique initiative a memorable and educational experience.

In the words of one of the Year 12 students who attended, “This event was an eye-opener. It showed me that learning and career exploration can be exciting and fun. I’m now more excited than ever about my future career possibilities.”

Global Academy students’ journey into apprenticeships, guided by Cat Burns’ music and mentorship from industry leaders, was a unique and transformative experience, highlighting the power of blending education with entertainment to inspire and prepare the next generation for their careers.