Welcome back to another month in my Diary of a Marketing Apprentice blog series. Who else is enjoying the warmer weather? I know I am. Let’s dive into what’s been a packed few weeks.

AAN Annual Conference: An Unforgettable Experience

I had the pleasure of attending the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (AAN) Annual Conference at The Kia Oval, Surrey County Cricket Club in Vauxhall. It was a truly inspiring day.

From the start, the energy was high. The room was full of passionate ambassadors from across the UK, all coming together to share ideas, learn from one another, and advocate for the value of apprenticeships.

The sessions were filled with insight. We heard from Skills Minister Jacqui Smith, Skills England Chair Phil Smith CBE, and Tom Kegode, whose session on navigating change really stood out to me.

One of the highlights of the day was the panel discussion on the future of apprenticeships. Industry leaders such as Ben Blackledge (WorldSkills UK), Grace Hardy MAAT, Ruth South (Costa Coffee), and others shared powerful examples of how apprenticeships positively impact individuals and businesses alike.

It was also a privilege to hear from the National and Regional Leadership panels, including Anthony Impey MBE, Kathryn Marshall MBE, Tom Culley BEM, Naomi Ogundiran, and Jill Coyle. The discussion was both insightful and motivating, expertly chaired by Chris Bradley.

And yes, the catering deserves a special mention — the blueberry muffins were easily the best I’ve ever had.

Connecting with the wider East Midlands AAN team was another highlight. It’s always great to catch up with colleagues Elle Barnaby, Muhammad Hammad Lateef, Yunus Riswan Marikkar, Olivia Scane, Iqra Jaffary, and our coordinator Bobby Ramsey.I also enjoyed meeting Alex Parkinson from the South West Apprenticeship Ambassador Network and hearing from Kasim Usman, whose words continue to inspire me.

A big thank you to the AAN leadership team for delivering such a seamless and valuable event. It was fantastic to hear that our network has now engaged with 68% of schools across the UK. That’s a significant milestone and shows the real impact we’re making.

International Transgender Day of Visibility

On 21 March, it was International Transgender Day of Visibility, and I reached a personal milestone — I came out to my wider family.

For a while, everyone at work, my friends, and my professional network has known me as Zach. Now, my entire family does too.

My journey with gender identity started around the age of 14 or 15. I first shared that I was transgender with friends during my teens, came out as a trans man while at college, and told my workplace I was non-binary at 17. At 18, I openly shared at work that I am a trans man.

Coming out to my family was the final step in allowing every part of my life to align with who I truly am.

Being transgender is a journey of growth and self-discovery. It hasn’t always been easy — like many others, I’ve dealt with dysphoria, misgendering, and the challenges of not being seen. But since coming out, I’ve felt more myself than ever.

Visibility matters. It creates space for others to feel safe, supported, and valid. It also challenges misinformation and helps foster understanding. Sharing our stories helps others feel less alone, and I hope mine does that for someone reading this.

Networking in Birmingham

Last Thursday, I attended the Association of Apprentices networking event in Birmingham where I had the opportunity to connect with a number of inspiring individuals.

It was a productive and energising evening, and I always value the chance to catch up with Bobby Ramsey(coordinator of the East Midlands National Apprenticeship Network), Iqra, and Yasim (EMAAN Ambassadors).

Behind the Camera

I’ve been enjoying taking on more photography opportunities. Recently, I have been the photographer for the Train the Tutor event. ​

The BIIAB Train the Tutor course is a four-day program designed for tutors affiliated with BIIAB Approved Centres delivering SIA qualifications. This course ensures that tutors meet the required standards by covering essential topics such as learner engagement, behavior management, understanding qualification purposes, and embedding employability skills into course delivery. Participants will undergo assessments, including micro-teaching sessions, to demonstrate their competence. Upon successful completion of the course, tutors will receive a BIIAB Tutor registration number, enabling them to deliver security qualifications within the BIIAB network.

It’s rewarding to upskill and work for a company that supports and encourages personal passions and development.

Conclusion

That wraps up this month’s entry. From industry events and personal milestones to creative opportunities, it’s been a month full of growth and connection. I’m looking forward to what comes next.