Hey future apprentices, this week’s email contains:

• Important news from the previous week (Talk about this in your interviews!)

• Weekly advice from our apprentice network.

• New apprenticeship news and vacancies.

• How to invest your money when you land your apprenticeship

This Week's Top Apprenticeships Are Now Featured at the End of the Newsletter

Real world Application News

(Talk about these in your interviews)

Finance

UBS is facing potential changes to Swiss banking regulations that could force the bank to hold much more capital in reserve.

Swiss regulators may require UBS to hold 19% of its assets in reserve, up from the usual 1-10% for global banks, potentially needing an extra $25 billion. UBS is resisting this, fearing it would hurt competitiveness against banks like Morgan Stanley. The bank is considering shrinking its foreign operations or relocating to a country with more favorable regulations. Meeting these requirements could also force UBS to sell assets, potentially triggering a market ripple effect.

This "news" could also be part of a possible exit strategy: the headlines and pushback might be UBS's way of positioning itself to exit certain investments before a potential market downturn, gearing up for more challenging times ahead.

Benefits and Cons for UBS:

Benefits:

1. Stronger Financial Stability: More capital would make UBS more secure and less reliant on taxpayer bailouts in case of a crisis.

2. Better Reputation: A stronger capital base could improve UBS’s reputation as a safe investment.

Cons:

1. Lower Profitability: Higher capital requirements could reduce UBS’s ability to generate returns, hurting shareholders.

2. Competitive Disadvantage: UBS would be at a disadvantage compared to other global banks with lower capital requirements.

3. Client Concerns: Moving its headquarters or making big changes could alienate wealthy clients who value Switzerland's stability.

4. Asset Sales and Market Impact: To meet the capital requirements, UBS may need to sell off assets, potentially triggering a cascade effect in the market and negatively impacting asset values.

Blackstone's offer of approximately £427 million for London's iconic "Can of Ham" building (70 St Mary Axe) was rejected by the building’s current owner, Nuveen.

Despite the offer exceeding Nuveen's original asking price of £322 million, the company is holding out for a higher price, citing strong leasing activity in London and a general recovery in European real estate assets. This rejection highlights the ongoing challenges in the European commercial property market, which has been impacted by post-pandemic work trends and rising borrowing costs. The sale of the "Can of Ham" is seen as a test case for whether buyers and sellers can agree on pricing, as office property sales in Europe have significantly decreased since 2009.

Benefits and Cons for Commercial Property:

Benefits:

1. High-Quality Assets in Demand: Despite challenges, top-tier office properties in prime locations like London continue to attract attention as businesses are gradually returning to in-person work. This could lead to price stability or even appreciation for well-positioned buildings.

2. Recovery Potential: With commercial real estate in Europe potentially stabilizing as companies adjust to hybrid working models, properties like the "Can of Ham" could see long-term value if demand for office space rebounds.

3. Leasing Activity: Strong leasing activity in key cities like London signals that well-maintained office buildings in desirable areas still have appeal, particularly for businesses looking for high-quality space.

Cons:

1. Decreasing Demand Due to Remote Work: Many large organizations are downsizing or moving to hybrid models, reducing their need for traditional office space. This trend can decrease demand for commercial real estate, making it a risky investment.

2. Rising Costs and Market Uncertainty: Higher borrowing costs and the uncertainty of future market conditions could affect the profitability of owning commercial properties, especially if office vacancies increase further.

3. Difficult Sales and Valuation Gaps: The failure to reach a deal on the "Can of Ham" building, even with a higher offer, highlights the challenges in agreeing on prices between buyers and sellers, especially when the market has cooled. It may be difficult to sell office properties at previous peak prices in the current climate.

In conclusion, while premium office properties in prime locations still have value, the long-term impact of remote work and shifting workplace trends could make investing in commercial property a gamble rather than a guaranteed opportunity.

3.Tech & Tik tok

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed a willingness to reduce tariffs on China in exchange for a deal with ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, to sell the popular app used by 170 million Americans.

TikTok faces an April 5 deadline to find a non-Chinese buyer, or it could be banned in the U.S. due to national security concerns. Trump is open to extending the deadline if a deal isn't reached by that time. China’s approval is critical for any resolution, and Trump suggested tariffs might be used as leverage to secure a deal. The White House is deeply involved in the negotiations, which also involve increasing stakes from non-Chinese investors in TikTok’s U.S. operations.

Influence and Importance of TikTok for Propaganda:

The negotiations surrounding TikTok have significant implications for both U.S. and Chinese relations. The U.S. government has expressed concern that TikTok's Chinese ownership could allow Beijing to use the platform for influence operations or data collection, which might pose national security risks. TikTok's wide reach, with nearly half of Americans using the app, makes it a powerful tool for propaganda. Control over such a platform would give either the Chinese government or U.S. entities significant influence over what content is disseminated to a large audience, shaping public opinion. Thus, TikTok's ownership is not just a business matter but also a strategic geopolitical issue. If the U.S. can secure control over the app's U.S. operations, it would reduce potential risks of foreign influence while also limiting China's ability to leverage the platform for propaganda.

If America fails to reach a deal, it could open up a significant opportunity for existing social media platforms to capitalize on the gap in the market or for a new startup to rise and potentially dominate the space.

Healthcare

Sewage Spills: A Crisis and Investment Opportunity

In 2024, England experienced 3.61 million hours of raw sewage spills, slightly up from the previous year. While some spills are legal during heavy rainfall, they pose serious risks to both public health and aquatic life, contributing to infections and environmental damage. The UK’s outdated combined sewage system, which mixes rainwater and waste, exacerbates the issue. Years of underinvestment have left the system in disrepair, but a £104bn investment program is underway to address it.

Experts recommend solutions like sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) to reduce rainwater overflow and prevent spills. However, implementing these solutions will require time and coordination. The government always over pay for everything!

Investment Opportunity

This ongoing crisis presents a strategic investment opportunity. Companies focused on sewage infrastructure, water management, and green technologies like SUDS are poised for growth. These solutions could help save the NHS money by reducing health risks while addressing environmental concerns. With government-backed infrastructure upgrades on the horizon, investing in this sector could offer significant returns while supporting sustainability.

What Did Steve Jobs, Walt Disney, Thomas Edison & Henry Ford All Have In Common?

Apprenticeships are not a new concept.

You know how some people think success happens overnight?

It doesn’t. It starts with learning, experimenting, and mastering a craft.

Before they became legends, Steve Jobs, Walt Disney, Thomas Edison, and Henry Ford were apprentices. They didn’t just wake up one day and change the world—they started by doing the grunt work, learning from those who came before them.

Apprenticeships provide something that no textbook can: hands-on experience. They teach real-world skills, industry knowledge, and problem-solving in a way that traditional education often can’t. Unlike classrooms, where theories dominate, apprenticeships throw you into the action, allowing you to learn by doing.

But here’s the thing—if you want to earn the big money, you need to understand the fundamentals first. The top earners in any industry didn’t skip the hard part. They put in the hours, built their expertise from the ground up, and proved their value. Apprenticeships give you that foundation.

Beyond skills, apprenticeships open doors. They help you build a network, gain mentorship from industry experts, and develop the mindset needed to innovate. They teach resilience—how to push through challenges, adapt to new environments, and turn ideas into reality.

Every industry needs fresh talent. Whether it’s technology, engineering, design, or manufacturing, apprenticeships create the next generation of pioneers.

They aren’t just a stepping stone; they’re the launchpad to success.

Insights From An Apprentice Manager

This advice comes directly from a key member of an IFATE Trailblazer Group, who plays a vital role in shaping apprenticeship standards across industries.

Their expertise provides you with an insider’s perspective on exactly what employers are looking for, giving you the edge when it comes to securing your apprenticeship.

Following these insights will greatly increase your chances of success. She also shares her biggest tip for assessment centres.