National Apprenticeship Week 2026
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is the biggest week in the apprenticeships and skills calendar! This year it takes place from 9 to 15 February 2026. The week brings together everyone passionate about apprenticeships and skills to celebrate the value, benefit, and opportunity that they bring. Each pathway is very different and depending on the type of learner you are and your interests, this will be a big deciding factor in choosing your next steps.
Below is some useful information so that you can learn more about apprenticeships!
WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP?
- A real job with real pay
- Learn skills AND get a qualification
- Hands‑on training in loads of industries
- A fast start to your career
HOW DOES IT WORK?
- Work most of the week with your employer
- Study one day a week at college or with a training provider
- Earn money + get paid holidays
- Lasts 1–4 years depending on the level
WHO IS IT FOR?
Great for students who:
- Prefer practical learning
- Want to earn while learning
- Have a career area in mind
- Enjoy learning from real people in real workplaces
HOW TO FIND ONE
- Government Find an Apprenticeship website
- School careers adviser
- Local colleges & training providers
- Employer websites
- Job fairs & open days
- Ask family, friends, and contacts
WHY CHOOSE AN APPRENTICESHIP?
- Earn from day one
- Build real‑world experience
- Gain recognised qualifications with no tuition fees
- Grow confidence & independence
- Progress into higher apprenticeships or full‑time job
Next week we are welcoming some employers/colleges into school to help celebrate the value of apprenticeships and the opportunities for school leavers:
- Monday 9th Feb – McDonalds
- Tuesday 10th Feb – CRB Engineering / Access Creative College, Bristol
- Wednesday 11th Feb – Amazon
- Thursday 12th Feb - Wiltshire College & University Centre (Yr 12 Assembly AM)
These will run over the lunch time break and visitors will be based by the Refectory for you to stop, ask questions and find out more about opportunities they offer!
We are also welcoming Wiltshire College & University Centre into host an assembly with Yr12 on Thursday for them to learn about the opportunities they offer locally to continue learning after A levels (levels 4 - 6 qualifications). Amazon are also going to be delivering a Sixth Form assembly in March to promote their apprenticeship opportunities for school leavers!
We also have some other exciting collaborations with employers that will be coming up soon, so keep your eyes peeled for some further information.
If you have any questions about apprenticeships, stop by our Careers Hub to see Miss Witchell or email her to make an appointment at kwitchell@sheldonschool.co.uk