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, Marketer 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.
Explore more on this site
- Apprenticeship Hub →Free mentoring, vacancy help and guides for school leavers, parents and employers.
- Marketing Portfolio →Campaign design, sports graphics, editorial work and photography from Queen's College, Taunton.
- Video →Behind the scenes video and short-form apprenticeship content.
- About Jack Frampton →Marketer, apprenticeship advocate and Taunton keynote speaker.
About the author
Marketer at Queen's College, Taunton · Apprenticeship advocate
Jack Frampton is a marketer at Queen's College, Taunton, working across digital marketing, SEO, design, content and photography. He came through the apprenticeship route himself, founded the Taunton Apprenticeship Evening and speaks in schools across Somerset and the South West about apprenticeships as a route into marketing. He offers free mentoring for school leavers, parents and employers.
Contact: