As London-based companies ramp up their efforts to attract young talent from Essex, we are encouraging more local businesses to step up to stay competitive in the recruitment market. If you want to secure the brightest young minds in Essex, early engagement is essential. By partnering with the Essex Apprenticeship Hub, you can access a growing pool of motivated school leavers and establish a connection with future apprentices before businesses outside of Essex do.

Early intervention in apprenticeship recruitment is proving essential for attracting top talent and building a robust workforce pipeline. More than 350 Summer 2025 school leavers are already registered with the Essex County Council Apprenticeship Hub and actively seeking apprenticeship opportunities - a number that’s expected to exceed 700 by February.

By engaging with these young people early, your business can:

•    Build a reliable talent pipeline well before your main recruitment drive.
•    Bridge the gap between education and employment, bringing fresh, skilled talent into your team.
•    Strengthen your brand’s presence and commitment to the Essex community.

Many young people are exploring opportunities early, even with interest from Summer 2026 leavers and their families. At present, however, most apprenticeship vacancies we promote through our Hub are London-based. Now is the time to show Essex’s young people that local businesses are eager to invest in them.

Get involved today! Connect with us to learn how the Essex Apprenticeship Hub can support your early recruitment strategy and help your business shine. Please contact Fiona Marriage at fiona.marriage@essex.gov.uk.