Honouring the next generation of talent at the SMMT National Apprenticeship Showcase 2026

From left to right: Connor Weastell, Production Engineering Manager, Ketna Mistry, Senior Digital Marketing Executive, Beth Garden, Senior Copywriter, Alice Walden, Recruitment Business Partner, Toby Griffiths, HGV Technician Apprentice, James Byrne, Supply Chain Apprentice, Dominic Bates, Production Engineering Apprentice, and Stacy Irvine, Supply Chain Manager

Held in the Cholmondeley Room and Terrace at the House of Lords, the SMMT National Apprenticeship Showcase saw 20 businesses, 20 MPs, and more than 60 apprentices assemble to celebrate successes, hear insightful stories, and take in the exciting atmosphere of the event’s impressive venue. The room was host to key representatives from across the sector, including Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Caterpillar, Ford, Nissan, Scania, and many more. Canapes and drinks circulated with plenty of opportunities for networking before eventually the sound of a gavel brought everyone’s attention to the centre of the room. 

The opening address was given by Lord Chris Fox, Co Vice-Chair, All-Party Parliamentary Group for Motors, who welcomed the room with considerable enthusiasm and gratitude. Noting that his own background started in the automotive industry, he explained the event was one very close to his heart and spoke keenly about the importance of nurturing the next generation of talent. Next we heard from Konstanze Scharring, Executive Director, Government and External Affairs, SMMT, who cited several interesting statistics about the growth and progress of apprenticeships within the industry.  

Scharring explained that this past year has seen a boost in figures across the country, with approximately 6,000 apprentices currently within the automotive industry, a significant 33% increase from the previous 12 months. This figure includes 1,700 apprentices who are only starting out this academic year. She sincerely thanked all attendees and sponsors for their support during the event, and emphasised the criticality of building a “resilient, highly skilled workforce” within the UK before inviting several apprentices to tell their own stories. 

Apprentices from Nissan, Sertec, and Halfords took to the stage with articulate and engaging accounts of their experiences so far, offering inspirational insight into their achievements, challenges, and learnings during their time in each business. They were followed by Chris McDonald MP, Minister for Industry, Department for Business and Trade, who spoke of his own origins within the industry, having started out his career at British Steel. He recounted how he had once supplied steel to the likes of Nissan and likened his own experiences to the three new apprentices who spoke before him. He talked at length about the government’s new Industrial Strategy, a 10-year plan to increase and improve business investment, and stressed the importance of having pride in your work as well as the impact this has on the local community.

A valuable field trip for the team  

The Dennis Eagle team at the event consisted of three apprentices: James Byrne, first-year Supply Chain Apprentice, Dominic Bates, final year Production Engineering Apprentice, both from our Warwick facility, and Toby Griffiths, first-year Apprentice HGV Technician from our Kensington Service Centre. They were accompanied by several senior members of the team, including a few mentors, recruitment specialists, and marketing representatives. The group was even lucky enough to gain access to a tour of the Houses of Parliament and the House of Lords during their visit, giving them a small glimpse into the goings on of the galleries.  

“Events such as this are an essential way of recognising the hard work and inspirational efforts of the apprentices so vital to the future of our industry,” said Lee Rowland, Sales and Marketing Manager, Dennis Eagle. “During this National Apprenticeship Week, we wanted to extend our deepest thanks and continued admiration to our growing cohort for their incredible contributions to our business. As the next generation of talent, we want to give you as many opportunities as possible to enhance your skillsets and support valuable progression in your career. Thank you for playing such a critical role in securing the future of Dennis Eagle and Terberg Matec UK.”