In March 2007, Dave Thompson, who was undertaking an advanced apprenticeship in customer service, set up the Humber Apprentice Panel (HAP), which, until recently, was the only forum exclusively for apprentices in the UK (the Young Apprentice Ambassador Network was launched last year). By creating this unique panel, Thompson and his fellow apprentices have been able to communicate with and influence key government organisations, third party stakeholders and even ministers. The panel is an active, diverse group of learners who are real ambassadors for apprenticeships, with input into the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Learner Panel and the National Learner Panel. It gives learners the opportunity to gain more confidence in discussing their futures and putting across their views on apprenticeships, as well as developing their communication and debating skills, giving apprentices in the region a real voice for the first time. In this interview, Thompson talks about the work of the panel, its achievements so far, and the challenges it faces going forward.