Speaking · 6 min read
Speaking on an apprentice panel in Somerset: how to prepare
How to prepare for speaking on an apprentice panel in Taunton or the South West — the questions you'll get, what to say and how it grows your career.
By Jack Frampton, Apprentice Advocate working at Queen's College, Taunton · Published 15 July 2026
Sitting on an apprentice panel — like the one at the Taunton Apprenticeship Evening 2027 — is one of the highest-leverage things a young apprentice can do. Here's how to prepare.
The 6 questions you'll almost always get
Why apprenticeship over university? What's a typical day? Salary? How did you apply? What's hard? What's next?
Prepare 3 stories, not 30
Three concrete stories beat generic answers every time — a mistake, a win, a mentor.
Follow-up is where careers get made
Connect with every attendee on LinkedIn within 48 hours. Panel appearances turn into mentors, offers and speaking gigs.
Get on the next panel
Email jsf@queenscollege.org.uk to join the panel at the 2027 Taunton Apprenticeship Evening.
Frequently asked questions
- How long is a typical apprentice panel?
- 45–60 minutes with Q&A, four to six apprentices on stage.
- Should I use slides?
- No — panels are conversational. Bring notes on your phone at most.
- How much does apprentice panel speaking pay?
- Most Somerset events are unpaid, but the network and profile value compounds fast.
- Can non-Somerset apprentices apply?
- For the Taunton event we prioritise Somerset apprentices, but strong South West applicants are welcome.