Opportunity Thursday: how apprenticeships build long-term careers and business growth #NAW2026
Chamber Training is showcasing how apprenticeships create long-term opportunity, not just as a first step into employment, but as a foundation for continuous learning, career progression, and business impact, as part of National Apprenticeship Week (February 9 to February 15).
For Jaycee Snow, an apprenticeship was the start of a career built on development, confidence, and giving back.
Jaycee joined Coventry BID (Business Improvement District) in July 2024, a business-led organisation dedicated to improving the economic and environmental vibrancy of Coventry city centre.
Shortly after settling into her role, she began a Business Administration Level 3 apprenticeship with Chamber Training, gaining hands-on experience and practical skills while earning a wage.
In her role at Coventry BID, Jaycee supports a wide range of activity including administration, stakeholder engagement, events, and marketing, directly applying the skills and confidence developed during her apprenticeship.
Jaycee said: “It’s very varied role. I still do quite a lot of admin such as answering phones, organising meetings, and communicating with partners, but I also work on the website and marketing tasks. I’ve just completed my first campaign completely on my own.”
The campaign, the Student Safety Walk and Talk, was designed to help students new to Coventry, particularly international students, navigate the city safely.
Jaycee led every aspect, from community engagement and sign-ups to artwork, printing, venue liaison, and co-ordinating local partners.
“That campaign was fully my responsibility,” she explained. “At first it was terrifying, I had to run meetings with venues and everyone was looking at me. But once I’d done it, I felt really confident. I used so many of the skills developed in my apprenticeship and the feedback was really positive.”
Rather than seeing her apprenticeship as a finish line, Jaycee has continued her learning journey. Building on the skills gained from her Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship, she is now undertaking a second apprenticeship in marketing, with ambitions to progress to a Level 4 apprenticeship in the future.
Jaycee said: “Earning while learning was a huge incentive for me. You’re gaining real experience, building confidence, and getting paid, all while learning skills you will actually use every day. I honestly recommend apprenticeships to anyone who’s considering their options.”
Alongside her role at Coventry BID, Jaycee remains actively involved with the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce as a Business Talent member, attending networking events and professional development sessions that support collaboration across the region’s 18-30 business community.
Last year, Coventry BID was also recognised as Winner of The Problem Solver – Business Diversification Award 2025 at the Coventry & Warwickshire Business and Community Awards, presented by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.
While the award celebrates the organisation’s strategic growth, it also reflects the importance of investing in people such as Jaycee, who grow with the business and contribute to its success.
In the spirit of Opportunity Thursday, Jaycee also gives back to Chamber Training by supporting interview techniques sessions with school leavers.
Through mock interviews and careers conversations, Jaycee helps young people build confidence, understand employability, and see apprenticeships as a credible and valuable alternative to university.
“I was once unsure about my next step when leaving school,” she added. “Now I get to support school leavers and show them what’s possible. Apprenticeships don’t just help individuals; they create a cycle of opportunity that benefits businesses and the wider community.”
Nicky Cheshire, business development manager at Chamber Training, said: “Jaycee’s story embodies the core purpose of National Apprenticeship Week, highlighting how apprenticeships open doors, strengthen organisations, and create lasting value for the local economy.
“At Chamber Training, we remain committed to working with employers, learners, and schools across the region to develop talent that grows, progresses, and makes a meaningful impact.”
For more information on Chamber Training this National Apprenticeship Week, visit https://www.cw-chambertraining.co.uk/ or follow C&W Chamber Training on social media.