At Delaware North U.K., apprenticeships are more than a stepping stone, they are the start of a personal and professional journey. We operate at some of the UK’s most renowned sporting and entertainment venues, supported by teams in a range of roles and locations. If you’ve ever considered an apprenticeship but weren’t sure about the cost, time commitment, or support, read on to learn more about what it is like to be an apprentice at Delaware North.
Learning through experience
Learning pathways are different for everyone, and at Delaware North U.K., the range of apprenticeships available give our team members the chance to grow their skills, build confidence, and unlock new opportunities. We spoke with four of our team members, Karol, Senior Logistics Manager at Wembley Stadium, completing a Senior Leader Level 7 apprenticeship, Robert, Head of Supply at Emirates Stadium, studying his CIPS Level 4 Diploma, Amy, Marketing Manager Head Office, completing a Marketing Manager Level 6 apprenticeship, and Ellie, HR Manager, Head Office, preparing to begin her Level 5 CIPD Associate Diploma.
What motivated you to start your apprenticeship?
Ellie shared, “Throughout my HR career, I haven’t yet taken time for myself to study and develop my skills further. I wanted to invest time in myself.”
What are you looking forward to about your apprenticeship?
Ellie explained, “I’m looking forward to developing new knowledge and skills that I can apply in my day-to-day role. I’m excited to grow my confidence, learn from experienced professionals, and gain a qualification that will support my long-term career development.”
When did you start your apprenticeship?
Amy said, “I’ve worked at Delaware North since November 2022, starting as a Marketing and Communications Executive, then promoted to Marketing Manager in April 2025. I began my apprenticeship in February 2024, and I’m scheduled to finish in June 2026. It’s taken longer than expected, but it’s good that the apprenticeship organisation is flexible. I feel lucky that this was an apprenticeship that Delaware North actively sourced for me. The provider helped me find the right level to match my existing knowledge, and that’s when we decided on Level 6.”
How has Delaware North U.K. supported you during your apprenticeship?
Karol shared, “Harry, my manager, supports me whenever he can, offering advice based on his experience and knowledge. He provides regular mentoring to guide my development, where we have ongoing conversations about my progress and goals.”
Robert said, “Everyone has been very supportive. Luckily, with my role, I am often across a lot of areas of the supply chain. Central procurement has also got me involved in projects and tenders to allow me to expand my experience.”
Amy shared, “I was encouraged by my manager to do a marketing apprenticeship. I had always wanted to get a marketing-specific qualification, as I studied business at university, so this was a great opportunity. I’ve found the connections I’ve made with the other apprentices on my program most valuable, as it’s great to see the same marketing theories and frameworks applied to a variety of different industries.”
How did you balance your studies around your day-to-day responsibilities?
Karol explained, “Harry’s support helps me balance my role and my apprenticeship successfully. It is relatively easy to fit the apprenticeship studies around your day-to-day responsibilities. The learning is designed to be flexible and work alongside a full-time Senior Logistics Manager role. Much of the study is based on your existing work and experience, and support from tutors and Delaware North helps manage workload and deadlines. This makes balancing work and study practical and manageable.”
Robert shared, “At times, it’s not difficult to fit assignments in my working week, and at other times, it’s more difficult when we have back-to-back fixtures but I have felt supported.”
Amy said, “I found that a lot of the workshops and assignments were relevant to areas of my current role, so I wouldn’t have to go out of my way to complete them. It’s not always easy to do the apprenticeship inside working hours, but it’s certainly manageable as long as you stay organised.”
What advice do you have for someone considering an apprenticeship?
Karol explained, “My advice for someone thinking about learning is to go for it. Learning helps you grow in confidence and skills, and it can be balanced with work if you stay organised. Asking for support makes the journey easier, especially when the business is supportive. Having the course costs covered makes it even more worthwhile.”
Amy shared, “My advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship at Delaware North would be definitely take up the opportunity. It’s fully funded, and there are lots of other apprentices in our business doing similar courses, so it’s also a great way to connect with team members.”
Leadership that backs your learning
Every team member needs a supportive leader. Steve, General Manager at Pride Park Stadium, shared his thoughts about the apprenticeship programme and the benefits for the team:
“The Commis Chef apprenticeship programme, provided by Delaware North at Derby County Football Club, supported by Burton and South Derbyshire College, delivers personal development and professional growth while strengthening succession planning. By developing talent from within, the programme enhances operational continuity and further strengthens the strategic partnership between Derby County and Delaware North.”
Shaping the future
Our conversations with Ellie, Amy, Karol, and Robert highlight what makes Delaware North U.K. apprenticeships impactful. No two apprenticeship journeys are the same, and with the right support and guidance, team members can build their skills, grow in confidence, and shape a long-term career with Delaware North.
