The power of apprenticeships was truly brought to life at the Apprenticeship and Training Conference, held at ACC Liverpool this month, as Sodexo Live! (the venue’s culinary and hospitality partner) worked alongside EducationScape, the City of Liverpool College, and ACC Liverpool to provide real-world experience for five apprentices and 20 students who were invited to work at this prestigious event.

Demonstrating a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent, apprentices from multiple disciplines and organisations – including commis chefs and, cabin crew and aviation students – played a vital role in the event’s operations. From crafting and serving canapés to assisting with delegate registration and event coordination, these apprentices gained invaluable hands-on experience in a high-profile setting.

A key highlight of the conference was the networking reception on 11 March, where apprentice chefs from City of Liverpool College prepared 1,280 canapés under the guidance of Sodexo Live! and college tutors. Later that evening, the Gala Dinner featured bread rolls made with sustainable wild farmed flour, crafted by student bakers.

Sodexo Live! also proudly showcased its own investment in apprenticeships. Two of its Level Two Culinary apprentices, who joined the company in January 2025, worked alongside their peers, guided by Sodexo Live! Senior Sous Chef Paige Flynn and Executive Chef Matthew Cox.

Claire Morris, CEO Sodexo Live! UK&I said:

“This event truly embodied the spirit of apprenticeships and echoed our values and commitment to our people. It also reinforced the importance of partnerships, together with ACC Liverpool and City of Liverpool College, we are investing in the future of hospitality and event management, and I cannot wait to see some of these apprentices develop in the organisation or within the wider hospitality industry.”

Tracey Jackson, Director of People at ACC Liverpool, added:

“We are committed to supporting the next generation of talent, and this event was a fantastic example of how apprenticeships provide real-world experience in a live event setting. By working collaboratively with partners like Sodexo Live! we can help shape the future workforce and provide valuable career pathways for young people.”

Apprentice Ethan Ormesher (18), from the Wirral, added:

“Today has been a brilliant experience. My apprenticeship is based in a traditional pub, so working in a large kitchen has been a completely different environment. I’ve refined my skills by preparing canapes for the first time and learned to use new equipment. Coming from a kitchen with just three staff, it was incredible to be part of a big team, and I felt truly valued and appreciated. Everyone was so welcoming, and it’s been a really valuable opportunity for me.”

By integrating apprentices into the fabric of the conference, Sodexo Live! and its partners demonstrated the practical impact of apprenticeships, fostering skills development while delivering a world-class event experience.

Sodexo Live! has been the culinary and hospitality partner for ACC Liverpool for more than a decade and supports some of the UK’s most iconic music, cultural and sporting venues and events, plus conference centres, by delivering world class hospitality and food services. It helps deliver globally recognised live events with a proven track record of creating exceptional moments that bring people together. In addition to ACC Liverpool, clients in the UK include Ascot Racecourse, Newcastle United FC, Emirates Old Trafford, Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to name but a few.