Tecna Launches First Apprenticeship in Events and Exhibitions, with Plans for Five Programmes Across the Business
Tecna, the creator of exhibitions and brand experiences, has launched its first apprenticeship: a Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery programme based at its production facility in Farnborough. It is the first in a series of apprenticeships the company plans to introduce across the business this year and next.
The programme is delivered in partnership with GLP Training, a City and Guilds Approved Centre and Award of Excellence holder, and is registered on the UK Government’s Apprenticeship Service. Tecna’s first Carpentry Apprentice, James Reynolds, has already started work at the company’s Farnborough headquarters.
James Longley, Managing Director, Tecna, said: “We never settle for ‘good enough’ in the work we produce, and we apply exactly the same standard to how we build our teams. These apprenticeships are a real investment in people and in the future of the industry. We want every apprentice who comes through this programme to leave with a nationally recognised qualification, real-world project experience, and a start on a career trajectory they are proud of.”
Paige Brookes, HR, Tecna, said: “For us, this is about more than filling a vacancy. We wanted to create a valuable opportunity for someone in our local community to start a career, learn a real trade, and grow with us. With everything going on in the world of work right now, especially around AI and automation, hands-on apprenticeships like this matter more than ever. We’re proud to be giving someone that start, and even prouder that this is just the first of several we’re planning across the business this year.”
A planned route into events
The exhibition and events industry depends on skilled craftspeople, yet many of those working in it describe their arrival as an accident: they learned a trade first and found events later. Tecna wants to change that by giving people a direct, deliberate route into the sector, starting in its own local community.
The apprenticeship is paid from day one, leads to a recognised qualification and is built around real projects. Tecna also sees it as a practical response to the shortage of entry-level jobs currently facing young people.
Simeon Wicks, CEO, Tecna, added: “The exhibition industry needs a new generation of skilled, passionate people coming through it. We want to play an active role in making that happen, starting here in Farnborough and building outwards across every area of the business.”
What the apprenticeship involves
The apprentice works alongside experienced production staff in Tecna’s Farnborough workshop and reports to the Production Manager. The role covers:
- Assisting with the construction of exhibition stands, staging, scenic elements, and modular and bespoke event builds
- Interpreting technical drawings, plans and measurements
- Using hand and power tools safely and effectively
- Workshop preparation, including material handling and stock organisation
- Onsite installations and breakdowns at venues across the UK
- Working with timber, MDF, laminates and exhibition systems
Alongside the practical work, the apprentice completes a structured 15-month Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery qualification made up of 21 modules. These run from health, safety and welfare through to joinery fundamentals, interpreting plans and CAD, doors, windows, roofing, floors and staircases.
The programme combines online masterclasses, regular one-to-one tutor reviews and practical workshops every twelve weeks. It ends with an End-Point Assessment comprising a knowledge assessment, a live practical task and a portfolio interview.
The finished qualification is recognised across the construction and events industries. It comes with experience on live exhibition stands for some of the UK’s most recognised brands and event organisers.
More programmes to follow
Carpentry is the starting point. Over this year and next, Tecna plans to launch apprenticeships in further areas of the business, with the aim of having several programmes running at any one time.
Apprentices who complete a Tecna programme will have clear progression opportunities across the workshop, production, office and site installation teams, with routes into more senior craft and technical roles as their skills develop.
The initiative forms part of Tecna’s wider commitment to responsible business, which includes designing modular, reusable stands and reducing waste.
Tecna will share updates on James’s progress and announce its next apprenticeships over the coming months.
