Apprenticeships

Last updated: 05 Oct 2026

Bectu‘s mentoring programme

“I am proud to say I am currently working as a Production Coordinator for a new Channel 5 series (and it’s all because of my mentor!)” Mentee

“By focusing on developing networking abilities, I heard about an opportunity with It’s My Shout and asked around for a contact person. I have been offered work experience in April on a short feature as a script supervisor” Mentee

As part of its CPD support, the union provides a branch lead mentoring program. Each scheme is tailored to meet the respective Branches’ objectives. Each vary in size and operation, either offering peer to peer 1-2-1 mentoring and group workshops through to group mentoring and workshops. All have the dual goals of recruiting and/or retaining talent in their respective industries and professions, union membership, alongside skill enhancement.

All branch lead schemes reflect the union’s values of solidarity, inclusion, and member-led support.

Key outcomes include:

Career clarity: Mentees refined goals, identified realistic pathways, and made informed career decisions .

Practical skill development: Improved CVs, technical skills, negotiation, financial management, and industry etiquette .

Increased confidence: Enhanced communication, decision-making, and self-assurance .

Expanded professional networks: Mentors and peers provided guidance, insight, and industry connections.

For more information, or to get involved, please email Jade Gordon, Vocational Training Officer: [email protected]

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Can I join Bectu while I’m an apprentice?

Yes! Apprentices joining Bectu will pay a competitive subscription rate based on their salary, and will receive our core membership benefits such as informal and individual support and advice on issues at work, as well as collective representation.

Members aged 35 or under will automatically belong to our national Young Workers’ Network (YWN) and, where available, can join their own branch YWNs. For more information, please contact Prospect’s young workers organiser Gareth Spencer.

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Bectu’s support for apprentices

Bectu has launched a strategy that includes a range of supporting initiatives for apprentices, such as:

  • support to ensure apprentices get the most from their training
  • a tailored value-added career and personal development programme held in the workplace
  • the development of apprentice mentors who will be trained in areas such as assertiveness, presentation skills and mental health awareness.
  • professional registration awareness training including access to a RegTech adviser for engineering, IT and science-related apprenticeships
  • details about careers, information forums and events
  • a branch-led intelligence-gathering tool to establish the current, and projected, picture of apprenticeships in workplaces where Prospect is recognised.

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Get support as a member

Speak with your representatives: 
If you work in an organisation that has local Bectu representatives, you should speak to them about any work-related issues.

Call the member contact centre on 0300 600 1878 or email [email protected]

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