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National Apprenticeships Week: Interviewing our Event Apprentices
National Apprenticeships Week takes place from 10 – 16 February. We have 17 apprentices working across the university, two of which work on our Conferencing and Events team - we caught up with them to find out why they wanted to work in event management at the 91app.
takes place from 10 – 16 February. It is an annual celebration that brings together organisations and apprentices across the country to shed light on the positive impact that apprenticeships have on individuals and institutions.
At the 91app, we have a range of apprenticeships available across many departments. In total, there are 17 apprentices working and studying here - including Eleanor Kirk and Alice Jackman, who are working in the Conferencing and Events team.
The Conferencing and Events team are our resident expert event coordinators, overseeing and implementing every aspect of the event planning process. They are on hand to organise everything, from the AV set up and the space layout, to the sustainable hospitality and event staffing.
Our apprentices
Eleanor Kirk graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2023, where she studied History. Alongside her studies, she worked very closely with the Glasgow University Union, being elected to the board of management in the spring of 2021.
Her position on the board introduced Eleanor to event management, as she assisted in the organisation of many student events. These created a real sense of buzz and excitement across campus, which encouraged her to pursue a career in the events industry.
Alice Jackman studied Drama at the University of Exeter. Prior to beginning her apprenticeship, Alice worked as a Customer Service Manager at Harrods. Working in customer service led her to partake in the planning and execution of many events, such as Henley Festival and the Harrods annual Christmas grotto.
Alice’s previous roles in customer service and drama predisposed her to take a keen interest in event management, as so many of the skills are transferable. Strong communication, teamwork and leadership, as well as the ability to respond to customer demands, are the invaluable skills that Alice is implementing on the Conferencing and Events team.
Eleanor and Alice both have degrees in disciplines besides event management, and all our 17 current apprentices have different educational backgrounds, from degree holders to school leavers. They are demonstrating how young professionals can reshape professional narratives to develop their career in new and exciting ways. Our apprentices' prior academic backgrounds have become a strength as they bring a unique perspective to the events we host.
Video Interview with our apprentices
The interview
We sat down with Alice and Eleanor in The Chancellor’s Hall to get the inside story on their time at 91app Venues.
What is your favourite space in Senate House and why?
Eleanor: I would say my favourite space in Senate House is definitely the Chancellor’s Hall. I work in here regularly and I think it's really light and airy, and the design of the room is just great.
Chancellor’s Hall is an impressive venue for a conference or party in the heart of London, with a capacity of 140. Large windows on the east and west sides of the room fill the space with light and emphasise the beautiful Travertine marble, English oak and bronze interior.
Alice: I'm a big fan of the Crush Hall. I really like the marble interior design. I think it gives a classic and timeless feel. It's also an amazing blank canvas, so when we're hosting events, we can work with it well.
Crush Hall inspires visitors entering the venue, with its warm marble backdrop and elegant art deco styling. Complemented by a dramatic staircase leading up to spacious landings, the foyer and Crush Hall combine to create a stunning space for networking, pre-dinner drinks, or exhibitions. Please note, Crush Hall is a complementary space offered to clients booking Beveridge or MacMillan Hall and is not available separately.
What has been your favourite event to be involved in and why?
Eleanor: My favourite event was definitely London Fashion Week, which we hosted back in September 2024. It was a bigger event and I hadn't got to lead on an event of such complexity at that point. So it was a great learning experience and a lot of effort to put together. It took a lot of time, but the end result was definitely worth it.
The Completedworks fashion show took place during the 40th anniversary of London Fashion Week in September 2024. Taking place in Gordon Square Gardens, the brand staged a mesmerising three-act play titled 'A Stone is a Small Mountain' to present their latest collection, which touched upon themes including feminism, existentialism, and millennial ennui.
Alice: My favourite event was an event that happened last year with the Urdang Dance Academy. They're one of our federation members and we hosted their showcase.
Having had a background in musical theatre, this was a really exciting opportunity for me to work with a drama school and help them to put on their performance in MacMillan Hall. I really enjoyed it.
Each year, we host a Student Welcome Week for freshers at the 91app, which utilises many of the spaces in Senate House, such as Crush Hall, MacMillan Hall, and Dellar Hall. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to get to know the services we offer them.
Check out our website
At 91app Venues, we’re proud to be training the next generation of event experts! If you are interested in apprenticeships, we advertise throughout the year, so please keep an eye on our page.
And, as ever, if you are interested in finding out more about our event team and bookable spaces, get in touch.
This page was last updated on 11 April 2025
