International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate progress, visibility and possibility. Across industries where women have historically been underrepresented, apprenticeships are quietly and powerfully reshaping the narrative.
This year, we’re proud to spotlight women across sport, education, business, leadership and live events who prove a simple truth:
When we give women opportunities through apprenticeships, we gain stronger workplaces, communities and futures.
From community sport at the LFC Foundation to leadership in construction training, from grassroots football trusts to live music venues like the Hammersmith Apollo, these women show what happens when potential is nurtured.
Emily Garcia: From Nervous Applicant to Community Role Model
At just 17, Emily applied for her apprenticeship with the LFC Foundation, knowing she would be competing against older, more experienced candidates. She prepared meticulously, determined to show her enthusiasm and capability.
What she was given: Mentorship, responsibility, trust and a platform.
What she gained: Confidence. Leadership. A voice.
Through her Level 3 Community, Sport and Health Officer apprenticeship, Emily became part of the We Empower programme, encouraging women and girls to participate in sport. She now leads sessions, organises large-scale events promoting women in sport, and confidently delivers activities in schools across her community.
Her proudest achievement? Realising she can shape her own future.
Today, Emily isn’t just delivering sessions; she’s inspiring the next generation of girls to believe in their own abilities.
Heidi Strickland: Leading in a Male-Dominated Industry
As a Business Assistant at Training for Electricians Ltd, Heidi chose to step forward, not stand still. She began her Level 5 Operations Manager apprenticeship with Access Industry while running a training centre, managing safeguarding and supporting learners.
What she was given: Strategic knowledge, professional development and belief in her leadership potential.
What she gained: Confidence in decision-making. Strategic thinking. A stronger voice in leadership.
Working in electrical training, a predominantly male environment, Heidi represents the growing presence of women in construction and skills education leadership.
Her journey proves progression doesn’t stop at entry level. Apprenticeships create ladders at every stage of a career.
Beth Radford: Driving Community Impact Through Sport
At Chester FC Community Trust, Beth completed her Level 3 Community Sports and Health Officer apprenticeship and transformed her confidence along the way.
What she was given: Opportunity to lead. Real responsibility. Professional trust.
What she gained: Leadership skills. Stronger safeguarding knowledge. The ability to positively impact lives through sport.
Beth progressed from supporting sessions to confidently planning and leading inclusive activities for participants of all ages and abilities. Her qualification gave her more than certification; it gave her belief in her ability to lead change in her community.
Sienna Gelling: Building Confidence in Business
At Mediterranean Education 2, Sienna’s Business Administration apprenticeship became more than a job; it became a foundation.
What she was given: A supportive environment. Practical responsibility. Room to grow.
What she gained: Professional confidence. Communication skills. A proactive mindset.
Organising tours and tournaments while mastering the fundamentals of business operations, Sienna developed the resilience and adaptability that will support her throughout her career.
Her reflection captures International Women’s Day perfectly:
Achievement comes from dedication, courage and the support of those around us.
Marina McMillan: Representation in Technical Spaces
Maria works in an industry where women are often underrepresented. She speaks openly about sometimes being “the only girl in the room,” but refuses to let that define her.
What she was given: Opportunity without limitation. Respect. Belonging.
What she gained: Perspective. Collaboration. Pride in representation.
Her message is clear: Representation matters, for us today, and for the women who come after us. You should be allowed to be whoever you want to be.
Freya Foster: From Warehouse to Live Music
As a Live Event Technician apprentice at Zeal, Freya has embraced the pace and unpredictability of the industry.
Six months in, she has progressed from warehouse learning to working on live shows, including her first major gig at the Hammersmith Apollo.
What she was given: Hands-on experience. Trust to go on-site. A team that backs her.
What she gained: Technical competence. Confidence under pressure. Absolute clarity about her future career.
Her proudest moment? Working backstage for an artist she already loved and realising: this is where I belong.
Phoebe Rowan: Learning the Language of Electricity
Phoebe began her apprenticeship in December and has immersed herself in everything from soldering and PAT testing to lighting boards and Ohm’s Law.
What she was given: Access to hands-on learning. Supportive mentors. Real responsibility.
What she gained: Technical fluency. Creative confidence. A growing public voice.
Recently, Phoebe began sharing behind-the-scenes videos on social media to show young women what technical roles actually look like. She wants girls to see what’s possible because visibility creates opportunity.
Charlotte Colclough: From Learning to Leading
After finishing her A-levels, Charlotte knew university wasn’t the right path for her. Instead of committing to three more years in a classroom, she chose a Business Administrator apprenticeship, a decision rooted in practical learning, financial independence and real-world experience.
Now working within the crewing department at PRG, Charlotte supports finance processes, coordinates logistics for major venues including London’s O2 Arena, and manages documentation and supplier communications.
What she was given: Hands-on responsibility. Industry expertise. The chance to earn while learning.
What she gained: Commercial awareness. Project ownership and confidence in professional environments.
A key milestone in her journey has been taking ownership of Crew Zone, an integrated internal platform she helps manage and develop. Trusted earlier than expected with real project responsibility, Charlotte quickly grew in confidence with colleagues now turning to her for guidance.
Her reflection is simple: “Absolutely 100%. It’s a great way to gain practical experience while continuing to learn, and it gives you real insight into how a business operates.”
Charlotte’s story reinforces an important message this International Women’s Day: success doesn’t follow one fixed route. When women are given the opportunity, they don’t just learn, they lead.
Eleanor Caine: Bringing History to Life
Eleanor recently began her apprenticeship with Worcestershire County Museums at Hartlebury Castle, working as a Cultural Learning and Participation Officer.
As part of the museum’s learning team, she facilitates workshops for school groups as a costumed interpreter, supports session design and helps increase accessibility for underrepresented communities.
What she was given: Encouragement. Mentorship from a team of inspiring women. The freedom to explore different departments across the heritage site.
What she gained: Confidence in public delivery. A clearer vision for her future career. A deeper understanding of the impact of museum learning within her community.
One of Eleanor’s proudest moments so far has been delivering her first workshop independently. After months of shadowing colleagues, stepping forward to lead a session herself felt daunting, but with the support of her team, she did it.
That experience didn’t just mark a milestone in her apprenticeship. It strengthened her belief in her own capability.
Because sometimes growth begins with simply saying yes and stepping to the front of the room.
Give to Gain
Across sport, business, construction, community engagement and live events, these women demonstrate the true impact of apprenticeships:
When we give:
- Mentorship
- Funding
- Opportunity
- Responsibility
- Belief
We gain:
- Economic empowerment
- Leadership development
- Stronger local workforces
- Inclusive industries
- Sustainable futures
International Women’s Day isn’t just about celebration. It’s about momentum. By investing in women through apprenticeships, we aren’t just shaping individual careers, we are strengthening industries, communities and the economy. The future is more inclusive when opportunity is shared. And these women are proof of what happens when it is.
