Why Apprenticeships Matter for Facilities Management
The FM and workplace sectors faces:- An aging workforce in technical roles
- Increased digitalisation (smart buildings, AI, BMS integration)
- Greater demand for ESG and sustainability expertise
- Rising expectations around inclusive leadership
Apprenticeships address all four challenges by embedding practical skills development alongside real-world experience.
- Higher retention
- Stronger engagement
- Improved succession planning
Empowering the Next Generation
The Workplace Event (28-30 April 2026) is taking this conversation further through its Next Gen Network, new ambassador programme designed to champion young professionals and support the next wave of talent entering the security, safety, workplace and integration sectors.
The Next Gen Network will serve as a platform for early career professionals to share experiences, shape industry conversations and participate more visibly in the events, content and communities that make up the Safety & Security Event Series. This initiative aims not only to highlight emerging voices but to invest in their development.
Across all sectors represented within the Safety & Security Event Series: from physical and cyber security to fire safety, health and safety, workplace experience and professional AV integration, organisations are under increasing pressure to close skills gaps, diversify their talent pipelines and future-proof their workforces. These challenges sit at the core of the initiative, which encourages collective action to attract, support and elevate the next generation of industry professionals.
As part of its launch, the Next Gen Network will run across the 2026 series, giving ambassadors the opportunity to engage in a wide range of activities. This includes contributing to panel discussions, supporting content creation, attending networking and community events, and helping shape the programme's future direction. Ambassadors will also have dedicated opportunities at the event itself, including the Next Gen Networking Drinks at the end of Day 1 on 28th April 2026 at the NEC Birmingham, proving a relaxed environment to connect with peers and industry leaders.
The Workplace Event Next Gen Network Session
UNHINGED SESSION: Too Woke To Work
Workplace culture is evolving fast, driven by shifting age demographics, changing expectations, and growing tensions around values, language and leadership. This UNHINGED session tackles the issues many organisations are debating behind closed doors... out loud.
Be part of the conversation LIVE at our UK event next April: The Workplace Event
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