The exhibition and events industry runs on craftsmanship. Every stand, structure, and experience that a visitor walks through has been measured, marked, installed, and checked. That craftsmanship usually depends on people who have learned their trade, then found themselves working in events. So many of us explain our entry into events as an “accident”. At Tecna, we actively want to change that, we want to support our local community and have a positive impact on the events industry, how people find their way into our industry and it all starts with our own people.
We are proud to announce the launch of our events apprenticeship: a Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship, based at our production facility in Farnborough and delivered in partnership with GLP Training, a City and Guilds Approved Centre and Award of Excellence holder. The programme is registered on the UK Government’s Apprenticeship Service (DAS) portal, it is fully live, and it is just the beginning.
What will the impact be?
At Tecna, we never settle for boring, and that applies just as much to how we build our team as it does to how we build an exhibition stand. As responsible creators of exhibitions and brand experiences, we believe that investing in people is one of the most important things we can do as a growing business to make a positive impact.
Apprenticeships give people a route into a skilled trade, paid from day one, with a recognised qualification at the end of it and real projects to learn on along the way. It is also a way to help the current entry level job crisis that is impacting on young people at the moment.
Our ambition does not stop at carpentry. Over the course of this year and next, we plan to launch apprenticeship programmes across further areas of the business. The goal is to have multiple apprenticeships running at any one time, each one feeding skilled, motivated people into Tecna and upskilling individuals into our industry.
What the Carpentry Apprenticeship Involves
This is a very hands-on role. Our apprentice will work alongside experienced production staff at our Farnborough workshop, supporting the construction of exhibition stands, staging, scenic elements, and modular, and even bespoke event builds. Reporting to our Production Manager, they will:
- Learn to assist with the construction of exhibition stands and bespoke event builds
- Learn to interpret technical drawings, plans, and measurements
- Learn to use hand and power tools safely and effectively
- Support workshop preparation, including material handling and stock organisation
- Help with onsite installations and breakdowns at venues across the UK
- Develop knowledge of materials including timber, MDF, laminates, and exhibition systems
Alongside this practical experience, the apprentice will complete a structured 15-month Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery qualification made up of 21 modules. These cover everything from health, safety, and welfare, and the safe use of tools, through to the fundamentals of joinery, interpreting plans and CAD, doors, windows, roofing, floors, and staircases. The programme combines online masterclasses with regular one-to-one tutor reviews and practical workshops every twelve weeks, building towards a final End-Point Assessment that includes a knowledge assessment, a live practical task, and a portfolio interview.
By the end of the programme, our apprentice will hold a Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery qualification recognised across the construction and events industries, alongside hands-on experience that very few apprenticeships anywhere else can offer: working on live exhibition stands for some of the UK’s most recognised brands and event organisers.
“We’re delighted to be working with Tecna and supporting their commitment to developing their people through apprenticeships. It’s great to see a business investing in its team and recognising the role apprenticeships can play in building skills, creating opportunities and supporting long-term growth.
There’s also a real alignment between our two organisations. As a B Corp, sustainability and responsible business are important to us, and Tecna’s own focus in this area really resonates with our values.
Our relationship has developed into a genuine partnership, with Tecna also supporting GLP Training with our exhibition stands. It’s a great example of two businesses bringing their respective expertise together, and we’re excited to continue developing the partnership.”
Luke Parsons – Chief Growth Officer, GLP Training
Building Careers, Not Just Stands
We see this apprenticeship as the start of a career, not a stepping stone elsewhere. Apprentices who complete our programmes will have clear progression opportunities within our workshop, production, office, and site installation teams, with routes towards more senior craft and technical roles as their skills develop.
This sits alongside our wider responsible mindset as a business. Sustainability runs through everything we do, from designing modular, reusable stands, reducing waste, to being responsible with budgets, timelines, and the planet. Investing in the people who will shape the future of this industry is part of that same thinking. The exhibition sector needs a steady supply of skilled tradespeople, and we would rather help create that supply than simply compete for it.
What’s Next
We’ve welcomed our new Carpentry Apprentice, Jake on site at our Farnborough HQ!
We will be sharing more about his journey as the programme progresses. Over the coming months, keep an eye out for announcements about our next apprenticeships, as we work towards having more live programmes running across the business.
If you know someone who might be interested in a career in carpentry, within the events and exhibitions industry, or if you simply want to follow our progress, get in touch or follow us on LinkedIn for updates.
