Chief executives and directors in companies across the UK recently swapped jobs with apprentices to mark National Apprenticeship Week.

MediaCom boss Karen Blackett swapped roles with marketing and communications apprentice Robyn May, 19.

Karen said: “It was good to go back to the floor. I was impressed to see how integral Robyn is to her team; she’s clearly a valued member who has real work and real responsibility. Chief executives should do this more often.”

Robyn said: “Going from apprentice to chief executive is a huge jump. I’ve certainly had to brush up my communications skills today, speaking to directors and managing partners.

“I was really nervous this morning but I’ve learnt that it’s good to push myself and that I can do something if I put my mind to it.”

The swaps were filmed for a new online TV channel, apprentice.tv.