Here at Employing an Apprentice, we are dedicated to creating a space where budding apprentices can find their true passion through apprenticeships. We aim to connect those looking to develop key skills through apprentice programmes with the employers who offer them. National Apprentice Week 2024 is a celebration of apprenticeships, bringing together everyone who is passionate about their value and the opportunities they bring.
Throughout the week, events and initiatives nationwide will showcase how apprenticeships develop skills and enable participants to earn while they learn. Whether you’re leaving school, looking to change careers or an employer wanting to grow your own talent, National Apprenticeship Week is the perfect time to explore the apprenticeship route.
In this blog, we’ll fill you in on everything you need to know about this exciting week, including what it’s all about, who it’s for, how you can get involved, and all the benefits that apprenticeships have to offer.
What Is National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2024?
From the 5-11th of February, the 17th annual National Apprenticeship Week 2024 will take place across England. It’s aimed at anyone and everyone interested in apprenticeships, including
- apprenticeship employers
- training providers
- assessment organisations
- apprentices
- parents
- schools
- colleges
- universities
NAW 2024 aims to showcase and celebrate everything that apprenticeships have to offer. So, if you’re interested in applying for an apprenticeship in 2024, this week is for you!
Where Is NAW 2024 Taking Place?
There will be 25 events dedicated to apprenticeships in different locations all around the country. As such, you’ll never be too far away from the nearest apprenticeship event.
There will be lots of different events to take part in, such as
- In-person events
- Site tours
- Educational fairs
- Careers fairs
- Community events
- Virtual events
- Career events/talks
Be sure to keep an eye out for the hashtag #NAW2024 on @Apprenticeship Twitter and Apprenticeships LinkedIn for the latest information on apprenticeship events near you.
What Industries Will Be Involved?
Some of the country’s leading employers and training providers will be involved in NAW 2024. You’ll get the chance to learn more about the different apprenticeship programmes they have to offer. Current apprentices will be available to speak to and learn from, along with more senior employees of the various companies.
It’s a common misconception that apprenticeships are only available in hands-on trades like plumbing and carpentry. While this may have been true in the past, the apprenticeships of today are available across a wide range of industries. Yes, you can still do an apprenticeship to become an electrician, but you can also do an apprenticeship in healthcare, fashion, travel, hospitality and accountancy. The list is endless.
Check out the wide range of Apprenticeship Standards →
Will ‘T Level Thursday’ Continue?
Last year’s NAW 2023 was the first time that ‘T Level Thursday’ was celebrated. Due to its massive success, it will be continued this year too. NAW 2024 will highlight the benefits that both apprenticeships and these technical-based qualifications have to offer. Together, they are actively contributing to the upskilling of the next generation of workers and helping to close the skills gap in the UK.
Learn more about T Levels →
What Is This Year’s Theme?
The theme of NAW 2024 is “Skills for Life”. According to the NAW 2024 toolkit, “we encourage everyone to consider how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and employers to develop a workforce with future ready skills.”
Apprenticeships have such a strong impact on local businesses and communities. And with the introduction of more green apprenticeships last year, there are more opportunities to get involved in sustainable and innovative areas.
Read our blog on Apprenticeships in Emerging Fields →
Why Consider An Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships offer people a different route to employment than the typical university option. This comes with a long list of benefits, including:
Get the skills you need
Apprenticeships give you targeted, job-specific training that evolves along with your role. This helps plug skills gaps, with most apprentices receiving a permanent job offer after completion.
On-the-job experience
Apprenticeships allow you to learn directly from experienced employees. This helps to build confidence and develop transferable skills, such as teamwork, that are vital for career success.
Earn while you learn
Say goodbye to university loans and student debt. You’ll earn a living wage from day 1 of your apprenticeship. Some even offer free undergraduate or master’s degrees.
Gain a qualification
Apprenticeships lead to nationally recognised qualifications that boost employability, even if you switch careers.
Get support
Guidance and support are always available for apprentices, be that from the government, employers, training providers, or organisations like Employing an Apprentice.
Flexibility
Apprentices can leave programmes freely. Your training will adapt to business needs, meaning your skills will stay relevant in a shifting job market.
Who Is NAW 2024 For?
National Apprenticeship Week 2024 is for anyone interested in learning more about apprenticeships and the value they have in today’s labour market. Perhaps you’re still in school and are struggling to choose between university or an apprenticeship. Or maybe you’re interested in making a career change but don’t know where to start.
Overall, the purpose of NAW 2024 is to connect interested individuals with employers who want to take you under their wing. Visit the National Apprenticeship Week website for full details.
What Apprenticeships Are Available Today?
Of course, if you don’t fancy waiting until National Apprenticeship Week 2024 starts next month, thousands of apprenticeships are readily available right now.
Here at Employing an Apprentice, we aim to match budding apprentices with the top employers in the UK.
The Employing an Apprentice job board is packed with all the latest opportunities in your area.
Our website has tons of advice and resources for apprentices and employers, including:
- tips on crafting an irresistible CV and Cover Letter
- networking tips for apprentices
- finding the right work experience
- finding a training provider and much, much more.
Feel free to contact our team if you have any questions. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter below for all the latest from Employing an Apprentice.
