Overview

During National Apprenticeship Week 2026, Cambridge Maintenance Services attended the Apprenticeship Careers Event organised by Form the Future, hosted at Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology.

The event brought together students from schools across Cambridge and the wider region, giving them a real look at apprenticeship pathways and the chance to speak directly with employers and current apprentices.

The story

This event was built for practical conversations, not generic careers talk.

Students came ready with smart questions about what apprenticeships actually involve, how applications work, and what day to day life looks like once you are in a role. The curiosity was refreshing. You could tell many of them were thinking seriously about their next step.

CMSL attended to give an honest picture of what we offer and what we expect. We also brought souvenirs and materials for students to take away, so the conversations did not end when they walked away from the stand.

Representing CMSL on the day was Ami Beale, our Talent Acquisition Executive, alongside our apprentice engineer, Ethan Patrick.

Ami spoke with students about joining CMSL, what makes a strong applicant, and the different routes available across the business. Ethan was there for something just as important: accuracy.

He could explain what it really feels like to start as an apprentice, how he applied, what surprised him early on, and what helped him progress. That perspective matters because it replaces guesswork with reality.

Ethan has become one of the most recognised apprentices within CMSL, and that recognition has been earned. His professionalism, attitude, and consistency on site have led to responsibilities that not all apprentices are given. Representing CMSL at apprenticeship talks is a big deal, and he handled it exactly as you would expect from someone trusted to carry the company name.

For CMSL, the day was a strong reminder of why apprenticeships matter. They are not just a route into work. They are a route into standards, confidence, and long term careers, when the right support is in place.

Fast facts

• • • Event: Apprenticeship Careers Event during National Apprenticeship Week 2026

    • Organised by: Form the Future

    • Venue: Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology

    • Attendees: Students from schools across Cambridge and the wider region, Years 10 to 13

    • CMSL representatives: Ami Beale, Talent Acquisition Executive, and Ethan Patrick, Apprentice Engineer

    • Student engagement: High, with strong questions about applications, expectations, and progression

    • Values demonstrated: Support, professionalism, development, trust, real world insight

What’s next

CMSL will continue investing in apprenticeship pathways because building the next generation of talent strengthens our teams and protects service standards for clients.