More than 700 young people, parents and carers learned about the apprenticeships and technical education opportunities at the event.
Solihull Apprenticeship and Pathways Show took place on Wednesday 28 January 2026 at North Solihull Sports Centre. Those in attendance were able to learn about a wide range of pathways after GCSEs. There was information about apprenticeships up to degree level, Supported Internships and technical education including BTEC and T Levels.
Employers and training providers across various sectors including construction, financial, creative, digital and engineering shared their programmes. Exhibitors included JLR, Solihull Moors Foundation, Rolls-Royce, Solihull College & University Centre, British Academy of Jewellery, Reflections Training Academy, Balfour Beatty VINCI, Heart of England Training, British Army, RAF, Severn Trent and Solihull Council. Current apprentices shared their first-hand experiences with young people to inspire them to explore different career paths.
The Mayor of Solihull, Cllr Annette Mackenzie, said: “It was great to see training providers and employers come together to help young people understand more about the variety of their future career options. I’d like to thank all the companies and organisations for their participation.”
Cllr Karen Grinsell, Leader of Solihull Council, said: “It was fantastic that our young people took the opportunity to speak to local employers and training providers at the show. A parent said that she wished this kind of event had existed when she was her daughter’s age. It’s not always easy for young people to decide what they want to do after GCSE’s. We believe the show will empower them with information about the local options available, helping them to make the right decision.”
Cllr Heather Delaney, Portfolio Holder for Economy, Business and Skills, said: “All the exhibitors that I’ve spoken to were impressed by our young people’s enthusiasm. Everyone was really engaging and ready to ask exhibitors questions about their training programmes and apprenticeships. It was a great opportunity for employers to inspire young people to build a career in their industry. At the same time, young people gained a better understanding of what an apprenticeship looks like in their organisation from the apprentices’ experience.”
Michelle McDonald, New Talent Business Partner at Severn Trent, said: “This is our second year participating in the show, and it has been fantastic—really busy again this year. We’ve met some strong talent and had some great conversations throughout the day. At Severn Trent, we’re committed to working with local communities and bringing local talent into our organisation. Everyone in the community uses our water, and when people join our team and understand our values and our work, they gain a real appreciation for the quality of our water and the projects we deliver. Events like this provide a great opportunity for us to engage with the community and connect with new talent.”
The Solihull Apprenticeship Show was organised by Solihull Careers Hub which is part of the Council’s Employment and Skills team. Solihull Careers Hub supports schools and colleges in providing the most-suited careers advice for young people. Residents or local employers can get in touch with the Employment and Skills Team with employmentteam@solihull.gov.uk to find out more about the support on offer.
Editor notes:
- The Solihull Apprenticeship Show is funded by the UK Government, West Midlands Combined Authority, The Careers and Enterprise Company and Solihull Council.
- Solihull Careers Hub is funded by The Careers and Enterprise Company and Solihull Council.