apprenticeships
National Apprenticeship Week 2026
9 – 15 FEBRUARY 2026
A week-long celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
UPCOMING EVENTS!!!!
Parent & Carer 'Understanding Apprenticeships' Webinar Date: Monday 9th February; Time: 6.30-7.30pm; Venue: online
Date: Monday 9th February; Time: 6.30-7.30pm; Venue: online
Apprenticeships offer exciting and practical routes into rewarding careers. This early evening session is designed to help parents and carers feel confident supporting the young people in their lives as they explore these options. Follow this link to find out more and to register: NavigATE: National Apprenticeship Week parent and carer webinar: understanding apprenticeships - Amazing Apprenticeships
Activate Learning Apprenticeship Information
*Activate Learning ‘Ask Us Anything’ Apprenticeships Webinar – 10th February, 6-7pm
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The National Apprenticeship Show – LIVE! Sandown Race Course - Register to attend here
- Tuesday 10 February 2026 10:00 – 14:30
- Tuesday 10 February 2026 15:30 – 18:00 (Parents/Carers/Individuals Dedicated Evening Opening)
Wednesday 11 February 2026 10:00 – 14:30
About the Event
The National Apprenticeship Show – London & South East is the perfect event for School and College leavers, as well as young adults, to discover more about Apprenticeships across the region. As proud partners of National Apprenticeship Week 2025, we’re excited to announce our continued partnership for National Apprenticeship Week 2026 – taking place during the same week as this inspiring event!
Taking place at Sandown Park Racecourse in Surrey, this event welcomes visitors and Exhibitors from all London Boroughs, Surrey, Brent, Croydon, Sussex, Hertfordshire, Hampshire and Kent. The National Apprenticeship Show covers all levels of Apprenticeships, from entry level to higher and degree. This FREE event offers visitors a chance to engage, face-to-face, with some of the regions top Apprenticeship employers and providers.
Aldershot Construction College Unit 2, Holder Road , Aldershot, GU12 4PQ
Construction & the Built Environment in Person – BOOK HERE
Starts: 12/02/2026 - 04:00pm
Ends: 12/02/2026 - 06:30pm
Choosing the right course and college is a big decision, so we’ve designed this event to give you all the key information you need. You’ll have the chance to:
- Get the inside scoop on our construction courses from current students
- Meet experienced tutors and ask questions about your chosen trade
- View examples of student projects and practical work
- Explore our industry-standard workshops and facilities
- Pick up a prospectus and newsletter to take home
- Learn about the support available from travel discounts to wellbeing and careers advice
- Ask any questions you have about courses, apprenticeships, and life at college
Whether you're interested in bricklaying, carpentry, plumbing, or electrical, this event is your first step into the world of construction.
Register interest for similar events; View More Information
National Apprenticeship Week Virtual Events:
Remote Apprenticeship Fair for Parents, Carers, Students, Businesses & Employers
Date: Monday 9th February; Time: 6-7pm; Venue: online, Microsoft Teams
Weir Training are holding a remote apprenticeship fair where attendees can find out about apprenticeships- suitable for those who want to explore Apprenticeships as a Post 16 option
To book a place email info@weirtraining.co.uk with the subject line ‘09.02.2026 Apprenticeship Fair’. See the attached flyer for more information (NAW 09.02.26).
Virgin Atlantic - Apprenticeships with Altitude
Date: Friday 13th February; Time: 11am-12noon; Venue: online
Learn about the career paths, skills, qualifications and the exciting jobs and roles that a Virgin Atlantic apprenticeship leads to. Hear firsthand about their experiences, the career paths they've pursued, and how their apprenticeships launched their journeys across the diverse and dynamic field of engineering. These inspiring individuals demonstrate how an apprenticeship can be the gateway to an extraordinary career.
The webinar is open to all UK secondary schools, Sixth Form and FE Colleges and is most suitable for UK school students aged 13-16.
Follow this link for more details and to register: Virgin Atlantic - apprenticeships with altitude Tickets, Fri, Feb 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite
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Ambitious About Autism/Amazon Supported Internships Info Sessions
For families and carers AND potential interns:
Date: Tuesday 24th February; Time: 10-11am; Venue: Online
Register using this link: Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
Follow this link to find out more: Amazon Supported Internships | Ambitious College
Click https://nationalapprenticeshipweek.co.uk/events to see a diverse range of events with hundreds of businesses.
Unifrog Apprenticeship Fair:
https://www.unifrog.org/events/upcoming/1644-unifrog-apprenticeship-fair
Information and Resources for Farming and Agricultural Careers
The TIAH which is made up of careers stakeholders from across the farming and growing sectors, was formed in November 2022 and meets regularly has undertaken a range of individual and collaborative projects to strengthen provision of careers information in agriculture and horticulture. These projects are aimed to support and inform both influencers (teachers, careers advisors, parents and guardians) and young people.
They have created a hub where they have collated resources, information, sources of support and opportunities from across the industry. There is also signposting to the careers work of all organisations above and a whole host more. There are detailed profiles and short practitioner videos for a diverse range of roles, including veterinary technician, agronomist (plant vet) and agricultural technology operator. There are opportunities to learn more about growing sites / farms, employers and practices through resources, such as virtual work shadowing experiences, and links to competitions.
If you know a young person who pines to work outdoors with animals, needs to share their gift of green fingers or would like to turn their skills with technology to flying an agricultural drone or servicing other high-tech machinery, drop into their Careers Advice Hub and take a look around by following this link: Careers Advice Hub - TIAH.
For those who would like to check out their understanding of modern agriculture and horticulture they also have a certificated piece of CPD called ‘Reimagining careers in agriculture and horticulture’. This short, online course is a multiple-choice myth-busting exercise that will disprove the 15 most commonly held misconceptions around this industry. Pathways to a sustainable
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British Army Apprenticeship Resources
The British Army is the number 1 Apprenticeship Employer across the UK and Northern Ireland, offering over 40 different apprenticeships, ranging across 7 different career streams, including:
• Engineering; • Medical; • Intelligence & Comms; • Music; • HR & Finance; • Logistics & Supply; • Combat
The British Army can offer adventure and opportunity to people who want to do something different through a range of amazing apprenticeships. When joining the Army, apprentices not only learn how to be a world-class soldier or officer, but also continue to develop skills and earn qualifications while they work.
Follow this link to access the resources: British Army Apprenticeships | Amazing Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships parent / student presentation January 2024 - click HERE to access a copy of the presentation.
Who can start an apprenticeship?
To start an apprenticeship, you’ll need to be:
- 16 or over
- living in England
- not in full-time education
GOV.UK apprenticeships
• If you think you would suit an apprenticeship, check out live vacancies in your area https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
You can apply for an apprenticeship while you’re still at school but you’ll need to be 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays to start the apprenticeship. You can find out more information HERE
- The Where Can I Study website offers a wide range of Post 16 and Post 18 options and information.
- Also check out what Amazing Apprenticeships have to offer: https://amazingapprenticeships.com/
- And Springpod Apprenticeships can be found here: https://www.springpod.com/apprenticeships/opportunities
- www.notgoingtouni.co.uk– make informed decisions about non university choices such as apprenticeships, Higher and Degree apprenticeships, gap years, job opportunities.
- What qualifications can I get from an apprenticeship ?
- Six famous people who started out as apprentices
- How to find an apprenticeship
- https://apprenticeshipguide.co.uk/
- Apprenticeships to consider if your favourite subject is maths : If you enjoy juggling numbers and working with data, there is a range of careers open to you, from actuary to air traffic controller.
- Employer focus: National Highways : Each month we will look at companies and learning providers who deliver apprenticeships and see what they can offer your students. This month it's National Highways.
- Tfl showcases the range of opportunities open to apprentices : As part of National Apprenticeship Week, Transport for London highlighted what it had to offer across the organisation and its supply chain.
Tips and Tricks for applying for apprenticeships... HERE
How apprenticeships work
Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study.
As an apprentice you’ll:
- be an employee earning a wage and getting holiday pay
- work alongside experienced staff
- gain job-specific skills
- get time for training and study related to your role (at least 20% of your normal working hours)
Apprenticeships take 1 to 5 years to complete depending on their level.
Levels of apprenticeship
Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels.
| Level | Equivalent educational level | |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate | 2 | GCSE |
| Advanced | 3 | A level |
| Higher | 4,5,6 and 7 | Foundation degree and above |
| Degree | 6 and 7 | Bachelor’s or master’s degree |
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Some apprenticeships may also give you an additional qualification, such as a diploma. Click HERE to see some examples of higher level apprenticeships.