NEC Group Arenas becomes first in UK to provide arena apprenticeship scheme

The NEC Group Arenas are continuing their work in nurturing young industry talent, having taken on the first electrical apprentices in UK arenas.

The two apprentices – Liam Dyde, 21 and Mohammed Waseem, 28 – will be mentored through a three-year placement by the Group’s Arenas ElectriX team, in the hope of completing their NVQ Level 3 in electrics. What makes this different to most electrical apprenticeships, is the specialist knowledge gained in temporary large scale electrical supplies and distribution; a must when ensuring the safe, reliable and electrical supplies for visiting productions to Arena Birmingham and the Genting Arena (soon to be renamed Resorts World Arena).

Throughout their apprenticeship, they will be undertaking a mixture of theory and practical work; developing their knowledge in testing, inspection and delivery of the electrical supplies. One day per week in term time will also be spent at Solihull College & University Centre for additional practical and theory lessons.

NEC Group Arenas Chief Electrician and mentor, Peter Hammond, said:

There is a noticeable skills gap in the arenas electrical industry, something that we too have noticed with our in-house team. As skilled individuals retire, there’s be a decline in numbers of those able to step into their positions. With demand for our services higher than ever before, featuring bigger more technically ambitious live events, we thought it was time to take action.

NEC Group Apprenticeship Coordinator, Angela Walsh, added:

At the NEC Group we are committed to providing a variety of career opportunities for youngster across the country that provide career stability in fun and dynamic environments. This new scheme we’ve developed in association with Solihull College & University Centre, will not only help bridge this skills gap but also give young talent the opportunity to be involved in on-the-job training, and bring us as the employer, fresh blood and fresh thinking. 

In addition to providing clear career paths for existing staff, there are a number of exciting opportunities for young people to work as apprentices across the NEC Group.

Since 2013, the Group has recruited a large number of apprentices within their award-winning catering business, Amadeus. They have also developed additional programmes across their Rigging and Technical departments.

Becoming an apprentice within the NEC Group is a fantastic way to gain transferrable skills and to work with – and learn from – some of the most talented people in our exciting live events industry.

For more information on NEC Group apprenticeships and current vacancies, including Hospitality Team Member Apprenticeships and Hospitality Development Programme Apprenticeships, please visit the NEC Group website.

For details on the latest job vacancies within the NEC Group, go to: http://www.necgroup.co.uk/working-for-us/

Genting Arena

Situated adjacent to Birmingham International Airport and train station, the Genting Arena boasts a flexible arena bowl, and can be dressed to accommodate intimate academy events for around 5,684, or hold a total capacity of 15,685. The Arena was renamed in January 2015, complementing Genting UK’s neighbouring development – Resorts World Birmingham – the UK’s largest fully integrated destination leisure and entertainment complex. www.gentingarena.co.uk. On December 3, 2018, it will be renamed Resorts World Arena.

Arena Birmingham

Arena Birmingham is one of the busiest, large scale indoor sporting and entertainment venues in the world and accommodates everything from music, sport and comedy, to family entertainment and live theatre. Situated in the heart of the UK, the multi-purpose venue hosts over 100 events and welcomes over half a million visitors through its doors annually, with a capacity that can range from a maximum of 15,800 down to 2,464 for more intimate events.

Officially renamed as Arena Birmingham on August 31, 2017, the venue has also previously been known as the Barclaycard Arena (December 2014-August 2017) following the venue’s GBP£26m redevelopment, and originally as the NIA (October 1991-December 2014). www.arenabham.co.uk

Amplify

The NEC Group Arenas also manage and operate the Group’s premium hospitality brand, Amplify, which delivers a first-class service and an exquisite dining experience courtesy of the multi-award winning caterer, Amadeus.

Ian Congdon, Head of Venue Sales at NEC Group Arenas was one of the 60+ industry expert speakers that took part in Europe’s first Premium Seat event, ALSD International, which welcomed some 251 registered attendees to London earlier this month. He joined the likes of Al Guido, President, San Francisco 49ers & CEO, Elevate Sports Ventures, Michele Kajiwara, Senior VP, Sales & Service, STAPLES Center/AEG, Tyler Mazereeuw, CRO, Canadian Football League, Tom McCann, Head of Premium Sales, Service & Operations, Arsenal FC, Charlene Nyantekyi, General Manager, Club Wembley/The FA Group, Ramón Alarcón, Director & General Manager of Business, Real Betis, and Tom Pistore, Senior VP, Sales & Service, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.

ALSD International was such a success, that it will now become an annual conference and exhibition. Watch the video below to see what you missed at the 2018 event…

Check out: www.ALSDInternational.com for more information and to find out more about the 2019 event.

#ALSDInternational – Europe’s leading Premium Seat event

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