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Choosing your next step after school or college can feel like a daunting decision. Whether you're considering sixth form, university, an apprenticeship or heading straight into work, it isn't always easy to know which path is right for you.

That's exactly why the WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast was created.

In this special introductory episode, we hear from the three organisations behind the project: Cheryl Buggy, Co-Founder and Chair of Express FM, Simon Ingram, Managing Director of Mountjoy, and David Lycett, Assistant Principal at City of Portsmouth College.

Together, they explain why they wanted to create a podcast that gives young people honest, practical advice from those already building successful careers through apprenticeships and vocational training.

WorkWise is a partnership between Express FM, Mountjoy and City of Portsmouth College, designed to help young people better understand the wide range of career opportunities available across Portsmouth and beyond. Throughout the series, students from City of Portsmouth College interview apprentices, employers and industry professionals, uncovering real stories about career journeys, workplace experiences and the skills employers are looking for.

Unlike many careers resources, the conversations are genuine and unscripted. The students asking the questions aren't professional broadcasters, and the apprentices sharing their experiences aren't media-trained. They're simply having honest conversations with the aim of helping the next generation make informed decisions about their future.

In this opening episode, Simon Ingram explains why Mountjoy is passionate about supporting apprenticeships and why learning through practical experience can be just as valuable as more traditional academic routes. He also discusses the importance of challenging outdated perceptions surrounding apprenticeships and encouraging more young people to consider vocational careers.

David Lycett talks about the role City of Portsmouth College has played in the project, giving students the opportunity to develop valuable communication, interviewing and employability skills while helping inspire future students through authentic conversations with local apprentices and employers.

You'll also hear from Cheryl Buggy, who explains why Express FM wanted to be involved and how local radio can play an important role in connecting education, businesses and the wider community. As a community radio station, Express FM is committed to supporting the people of Portsmouth, and WorkWise is another way of helping local young people discover exciting opportunities close to home.

This episode also introduces the journey taken by the student interviewers themselves. Before sitting down with guests, they received interview training from Express FM presenter Paul Marsh, building their confidence and learning the skills needed to produce a professional podcast series. For many of the students, it was their first experience behind a microphone, making their conversations all the more authentic and relatable.

Whether you're a student thinking about your future, a parent looking to understand the options available, or an employer interested in developing the next generation of talent, Episode 1 provides the perfect introduction to the WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast and the reasons why this project matters.

Join us as we begin a series of honest conversations designed to inform, inspire and demonstrate that there isn't just one route to a successful career.

If you have any questions about the podcast, apprenticeships or Mountjoy please send us a message.