The Pre-apprenticeship Course: A Significant Milestone in the Routes to Employment Project
The Routes to Employment Pilot Project was developed in response to our RTE research findings, aiming to explore apprenticeships as an innovative employment pathway for refugee women in our community.
The Pre-Apprenticeship Course, a four-week programme, delivered in May 2025, is designed to enhance the skills and confidence of refugee women in London. The course prepares participants to feel more confident and ready to make successful apprenticeship programme applications. Throughout the programme, participants gain knowledge and practical experience in key areas, including:
Understanding Apprenticeships
In collaboration with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, a workshop was led by Apprenticeship Coordinator Omama Zankawan, titled “What Is an Apprenticeship?”. This initial session provided valuable insights into how apprenticeships can be a viable employment opportunity as she spoke about funding options, job structures, entry requirements, and where to find open apprenticeship programmes.
Knowledge of UK Working Rights and Culture
Participants engaged with professional lawyers from our corporate partners, DLA Piper, in a detailed session on “Knowing Your Rights as an Employee in the UK”. Additionally, DLA Piper’s Apprenticeship Programme Manager led a session on understanding apprenticeships, where current apprentices shared valuable tips and experiences with the participants.
( Photo of course participants holding certificates of attendance at the Knowing Your Rights training with DLA Piper team.)
Boosting Digital Skills
Digital skills are essential for securing apprenticeships in today’s world, and a Digital Skills Day was conducted in collaboration with ScreenShare. This interactive session provided participants with skills in cybersecurity, digital privacy, AI, professional email writing and more, ensuring they are well-equipped for the modern workplace.
(Photo from the Digital Privacy Workshop during Digital Skills Day at the ScreenShare office.)
(Photo from the PowerPoint session during Digital Skills Day at the ScreenShare office.)
Employment Skills Workshops
A series of employment-focused workshops helped participants gain insights into the UK job market, covering CV writing, cover letters, job applications, and interview preparation.
Hands-on Practice with Professionals
Working with partners like UBS, the Routes team organised mock interviews and Apprenticeship Talks, where professionals and apprentices shared their real-life experiences of applying for and securing apprenticeships.
(Practicing interview skills with professional volunteers.)
Professional Soft Skills Development
Soft skills are crucial for career success, and the course included role-playing exercises and group activities to help participants build confidence in communication, teamwork, and professional presence, ensuring they can effectively present themselves in job interviews.
A Flexible and Inclusive Approach
Recognising the diverse needs of participants, the course was delivered through a blend of online and in-person sessions, with accessibility considerations such as travel expenses, childcare support, and technical assistance.
(Photo of the course participants with RTE project managers on the last day of delivery.)
Reflections on Participation in the Pre-Apprenticeship Course
Participants reported gaining a range of valuable skills and experiences throughout the course, including:
Language development and communication (verbal, written, public speaking, and listening)
Employment skills, such as interview preparation, networking, CV improvement, and career readiness
Digital tools and technology (e.g., Figma, Padlet, ChatGPT, Cisco)
Professional soft skills, including collaboration, teamwork, time management, organisation, and adaptability
Personal growth, leading to increased confidence, reduced insecurity, and greater motivation
Understanding apprenticeships and employment rights
Exposure to real work environments
The course was a huge success in meeting its goals as 90% of participants said they feel more confident in applying for professional opportunities. And 68% of participants said they felt they now have a clear pathway to reaching their career goals.
So What’s Next??
Following their journey through the Pre-Apprenticeship Course, participants will receive ongoing, tailored post-course support as they navigate the apprenticeship application process. This includes:
Individual check-ins to better understand and support each participant’s specific goals
Access to the Routes Apprenticeship Opportunity List, featuring current and relevant programmes made available through our partner WorkWhile, who is building partnerships with apprenticeship employers and training providers
ENIC Statement of Comparability support to help validate international qualifications
Online workshop on How and Where to Find an Apprenticeship Programme
Drop-in sessions, offering a shared and welcoming space to work on applications collaboratively
One-to-one CV reviews from professional volunteers to refine and strengthen job applications
This support will continue until participants secure apprenticeship opportunities that align with their career goals and have the potential to lead to long-term, meaningful employment.
If you are interested to connect with our team for sharing learnings and for employment partnership opportunities, please reach out to our RTE project managers Jocelyn Maskrey and Roula Kheder.
(Photo of participants engaged in a group activity with Routes’ Project Managers.)
