Event Review – Manchester Apprenticeship Careers Event – 20th October 2025

We were delighted to arrive in Manchester on Monday 20th October for the STEM Women Manchester Apprenticeship Careers Event, and what a successful afternoon it proved to be. With over 150 attendees exploring the opportunities and conversations flowing non-stop, the energy in the hall was fantastic.

Welcoming the attendees

Students from Manchester schools arrived to The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester city centre to explore pathway options beyond the traditional graduate route. Before entering the exhibitor hall, the students listened to a welcome talk from STEM Women where they learned about apprenticeship routes as well as networking tips and advice for the event. The event created an inclusive atmosphere where participants felt comfortable asking questions, connecting, and finding routes into the STEM sector. Many teachers and parents commented on how the event was much more intimate than others they had been to:

“The girls got a great deal from being able to speak to the providers, both in terms of building their own confidence and independence and gaining information which helped them discover what areas appealed to them and, just as important, which did not. A morning well spent.” – St Bede’s College Teacher

“Completely different ot other careers event I have visited in the past where students are just directed to a big hall to navigate their way around. This felt much more personalised and relatable for the learners and I know that they all came away with some really useful information.” – Blackburn College Teacher

The exhibitors & opportunities

With 16 employers on board, the exhibitor line-up offered a strong mix of organisations committed to hiring apprentices, launching talent programmes and building diverse STEM teams. Employers showcased live roles, talked about what apprenticeship pathways looked like in their organisations, and engaged directly with event-goers about next steps.
It was great to see exhibitors genuinely invested in finding talent, as well as being transparent about what programmes involve — the challenges, the rewards, and the growth potential.

For employers, this event proved to be an invaluable platform for brand visibility and targeted recruitment, offering direct access to a diverse and motivated pool of future STEM talent. It also offered a unique opportunity to connect directly with a highly engaged audience actively exploring early-career routes, allowing employers to build meaningful relationships, showcase their programmes, and meet motivated candidates who are ready to take the next step.

Why this event matters

Employers are increasingly recognising that STEM talent does not only flow via the traditional university-graduate route. Apprenticeships, early-career programmes and work-based learning are vital in building inclusive pipelines, supporting career-entry in a way that removes barriers and unlocks different talent pools.

By bringing together talent and opportunity in Manchester, STEM Women has helped raise visibility of these pathways, and shown how employers and prospective candidates alike benefit when the conversation is open and inclusive.

Keep an eye on our upcoming listings for more in-person and virtual events across the UK. Whether you’re exploring apprenticeships, graduate careers, placements or jobs in STEM — we’re here to connect you with opportunity.

If you’re a student or recent graduate in STEM and want to attend a STEM Women event, check out our upcoming events here!

If you are an employer looking to book one of our events, click here to see our packages and enquire.

Or, get in touch with our Ireland Account Manager, Mark Newland

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