National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is an annual celebration, and this year’s event, held from February 10th to 16th, 2025, was a resounding success, focusing on “Skills for Life”. It brought together businesses, apprentices, and educators to highlight the incredible opportunities apprenticeships offer for building lasting careers.
Key Highlights of NAW 2025:
- National Apprenticeship Week Event: The UK’s largest apprenticeship event went virtual, allowing anyone to connect with top employers, get application tips, and hear directly from current apprentices like Cormac, a broadcast engineer at the BBC, who shared his experiences of learning on the job across the country.
- T Level Thursday: This day shone a spotlight on T Levels, showcasing the valuable contributions of students gaining hands-on experience in various industries.
- The Big Assembly: A live-streamed broadcast reached over 160,000 people, offering diverse perspectives on apprenticeships from apprentices, employers, and educators.
- National Apprenticeship Show: For those in London and the South East, an in-person event provided a chance to explore apprenticeship opportunities with numerous employers.
Exciting Changes on the Horizon:
NAW 2025 also brought some significant news about the future of apprenticeships:
- Shorter Apprenticeships: From August 2025, some apprenticeships could be reduced to a minimum of 8 months, particularly in sectors facing skills shortages like green energy and healthcare.
- More Flexible Entry: Adult learners (19+) will no longer automatically need a Level 2 English and maths qualification to complete their apprenticeship, aiming to make apprenticeships more accessible . This change does not apply to 16-18 year olds, and core skills will still be assessed.
- “Your Apprenticeship” App: A new mobile app was launched to help apprentices track their progress and access support.
Why Consider an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships offer a fantastic route to gain valuable skills, earn a salary, and achieve recognized qualifications. They provide hands-on experience, help develop crucial “Skills for Life,” and allow you to build a professional network – all while avoiding student debt for many.
To learn more about the many ways into apprenticeships (including earning a degree), try our careers hub.