Events Management Apprenticeships

What does an events manager do?

Events managers organise, manage, and promote everything from major sporting events to intimate celebrations. You might work on the Olympics one day and a local product launch the next.

You'll typically work in a team and need strong communication, organisational, and planning skills. The role centres on building client - or personal - relationships and making sure events match what they're envisioning.

Some daily tasks could include...

• Writing proposals and developing event concepts

• Recording sales information

• Arranging supplier meetings

• Monitoring conversion targets

• Communicating with clients

• Health and safety training

• Booking venues, entertainment, and equipment

• Keeping up with event trends

• Managing lost property

Site visits, industry conferences, and supplier showcases are also key parts of the role.

By completing an apprenticeship in events management, you could work on organising events such as...

• Weddings

• Concerts

• Live music festivals

• Live sports - anything from cycling to football to athletics

• Exhibitions

• Product Launches

• Award shows

• Charity events

• International events

Events management is a thriving industry in the UK, worth over £61 billion annually. With events being more popular than ever before, there are plenty of opportunities for aspiring event planners like you.

How do events apprenticeships work?

As an apprentice, you'll be employed directly by a company, meaning you'll work alongside real teams on real events from day one.

Depending on the level, an apprenticeship can last anywhere from 12 to 24 months, with higher-level apprenticeships often running longer.

During your apprenticeship, you'll split your time between work and study - typically around 80% on the job and 20% working toward your qualification. This balance means you'll be building practical experience and gaining industry-recognised credentials at the same time. Best of all, you're paid just like a real job.

Although the exact structure of your events management will vary depending on your employer, all events management apprenticeships will provide you with the work experience and qualifications you need to open the door to a fulfilling career in events.

We've included some real-life examples of apprenticeships to give you an idea of the tasks you'll be doing.

Level 2 events management apprenticeships

As the first step on the apprenticeship ladder, a Level 2 events management apprenticeship is a great way to kickstart your career.

Events Assistant

• Programme Length: 12-18 months

• Salary: £18,000 -19,500 per year on average

• Entry Requirements: Minimum two GCSEs graded 9-4 (A* to C) or equivalent

• Responsibilities: Work under the instructions of an event manager, assume the role of ticket taker, welcome guests, inspect the equipment, and provide excellent customer service.

A level 2 apprenticeship is equal to five GCSEs. For more information, read our guide to Level 2 Apprenticeships.

Level 3 events management apprenticeships

Level 3 events management apprenticeships are the next step up the apprenticeship ladder.

Events Apprentice

• Programme Length: 12-15 months

• Salary: Up to £23,000 per year on average

• Entry Requirements: five GCSEs graded at 9-4 (A* to C), including English & Maths, Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths, or a relevant Level 2 Apprenticeship

• Responsibilities: Assisting with all events, including being in charge of the events calendar, overseeing the budget, writing event briefs, organising digital events, collecting guest data and leading events

Level 4 & 5 events management apprenticeships

Higher apprenticeships are where you begin to take on a more strategic role, moving beyond assisting and into leading events and managing teams.

• Programme Length: 18-36 months

• Salary: £22,000 - £27,000 per year

• Entry Requirements: A minimum of two A-Levels or a relevant Level 3 qualification, such as a Level 3 Apprenticeship, T-Level, or BTEC

• Responsibilities: You'll play an active role in bringing events to life, manage supplier relationships, coordinate teams on the ground, handle budgets, produce post-event reports, and contribute to wider business development.

A Level 4 or 5 apprenticeship is equivalent to a foundation degree and is a strong platform for stepping into a senior events role or progressing to a degree-level qualification. For more information, read our guide to Level 4 and 5 Apprenticeships.

Events management degree apprenticeship

Degree apprenticeships (Level 6) represent the highest level of events training you can undertake while still earning a salary - and at the end of it, you'll have a full bachelor's degree to your name.

• Programme Length: 3-4 years

• Salary: £25,00 - £28,000 per year

• Entry Requirements: A minimum of two to three A-Levels, or equivalent Level 3 qualifications, along with five GCSEs graded 9-4 (A* to C), including English and Maths

• Responsibilities: Taking ownership of large-scale events from conception to completion, managing budgets, leading cross-functional teams, developing event strategies, building client relationships, and representing the business at industry level.

A Level 6 apprenticeship is equivalent to a full university degree, and positions you for senior or management-level roles within the events industry. For more information, read our guide to Degree Apprenticeships.

How much does an events management apprenticeship pay?

Apprentices earn at least the national minimum wage for apprentices, though many employers pay above this.

Your salary depends on factors like apprenticeship level and employer. For example, a Level 2 apprenticeship typically pays between £18,000 and £19,000 per year. At Level 3, you could earn up to £23,000 per year.

Once qualified and with some experience, entry-level positions can pay up to £32,000 annually. Senior event managers can earn £40,000 or more.

How can I apply for an events management apprenticeship?

Ready to apply? 

An events apprentice at Christie's auction house shares their advice:

• Research the company at the very start of the application process - this will mean you can stand out from the rest by showing that you have been proactive and taken the time to learn about the business.

• Be confident - getting into a negative mindset is easy, especially if you've not had much luck with past applications. By staying positive and confident, you will naturally be yourself and enjoy the experience much more.

• Look up competency-type questions (e.g. tell us about a time when you were organised) and think/write down an example for each. I did this before the assessment day, and it helped me when I was faced with challenging questions because I had examples of times when I had shown a particular skill/quality fresh in my mind. Even if the assessor doesn't ask competency-type questions, you can still use your examples to show that you have the right skill set for the job.

For more guidance, read our blog on The Apprenticeship Application Process. You'll find practical advice on writing a strong CV and cover letter, plus what to expect from assessments.