Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Why are we all talking about apprenticeships?
News alert! Apprenticeships are not new! They have been around for generations and they are here to stay. With now over 700 apprenticeship standards available in England alone, it is proven that they can be an excellent way to gain a qualification, enter the job market, and develop the required skills and they can also offer excellent career progression. Many current CEOs of businesses started their work life as apprentices!
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
This National Apprenticeship Week 2025, from Monday 10th to Sunday 16th February, Speakers for Schoolsâ are joining the celebrations by gathering young people with employers and industry speakers to highlight the possibilities that apprenticeships can bring to your future.
This year’s theme, “Skills for Life” is something we are already familiar with, as the organisations we work with talk about the skills needed in different jobs, how to succeed in the workplace and how apprenticeships help young people learn and grow those important skills!
The Benefits of Apprenticeships
Alex James, Social Value Manager at Siemens Energy, one of our Social Mobility Partners, highlights the benefits of their apprenticeships:
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âBeing an apprentice at Siemens Energy means you get to work on real-life projects whilst being supported on a guided learning journey. We want people who want to make a difference whilst proactively developing their skills in this industry.â
Time as an apprentice is spent approx. 80% âon the jobâ working in the role with an employer and 20% time spent working towards the qualification, with their training team or an external training provider or university, with dedicated time to study. From Level 2 qualifications to degree apprenticeships, there are exciting opportunities from leaving school, college or sixth form indeed at a higher level. There is no upper age limit to apprenticeships, so an apprenticeship may be for you at any stage of your career for progression, development, or changing career pathways.
When hiring apprentices, employers are not looking for the complete package; they seek people who are willing to learn, motivated, and enthusiastic about the organisation and the role. Their responsibility is to ensure that they have the support and training to develop apprentices to be successful in the role.
Why Apprenticeships Matter
Letâs look at the bigger picture. The workforce needs talented and enthusiastic young people from all backgrounds who can bring their energy, ambition, and fresh ideas through apprenticeships. This is good for society and the economy.
If you canât see it, how can you be it?
Not every 14-19-year-old will know what their âdream jobâ is or how to get there. Career guidance through work experience and meeting professionals via our inspirational speaker network can form a key part of your learning and growth.
Speakers for Schoolsâ Youth Council Member, Callum, now aged 17, talks about how these experiences have shaped his thoughts on his future and apprenticeships:
âI have luckily had the experience of the BBC doing a webinar about their apprenticeship programme, as someone who doesnât know what my next steps are after my current education the webinar did help in a distinct way, I found it invaluable hearing from previous people who had taken part in a BBC apprenticeship and hearing how many types of apprenticeships there were.â
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Direct interaction with an employer can help you understand how an apprenticeship runs day-to-day, the work involved, expectations, support received and the value an apprentice brings to a team. It really is a two-way street.
âOn the whole, this experience has helped me understand more about the pathways after college, I would definitely consider an apprenticeship in the future.â –Â CallumÂ
We hear from current and past apprentices regularly, those with lived experiences who are very excited to share their stories. If they are giving their time to inspire others, it is clear that apprenticeships are a great option to explore!
The Impact of Work Experience
During work experience you get to build on your abilities, take part in projects and challenges plus get ask questions, be fully involved and meet other like-minded young people.
Liam, Speakers for Schoolsâ Impact and Officer explains:
âwe have seen an increase in the likelihood of young people considering apprenticeships compared to when asked before taking part in their work experience opportunity.âÂ
The evidence shows knowledge is power after all!
What’s Happening During National Apprenticeship Week?
During National Apprenticeship Week, Speakers for Schoolsâ employer partners, including Siemens, Lloyds, the Guinness Partnership, DAL Languages, Kainos, and Ministry of Justice ambassadorsâare hosting virtual experiences about their work apprenticeship programmes. In Northern Ireland, employers are highlighting their HALs, the equivalent of earn-as-you-learn schemes.
Alex, from Siemens Energy, hosts regular virtual experiences:
âthis experience aims to enable diverse, digital opportunities for students who want to meet our own organisationsâ network of talent. It will help individuals to understand the types of skills and knowledge that is needed to become valuable contributors within the energy industry.â Â
Please note many experiences during this time are closed for students to apply for, however, applications are still open for future work experience opportunities across the Spring and Summer term. Explore all opportunities!
Inspirational Talks During National Apprenticeship Week
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- Monday 10th February – IntoTech: Lights, Camera, Innovation – The Future of Film and Tech
- Tuesday 11th February – Discover your potential: Unlocking the Retail Industry with Boots and No7 Company
- Wednesday 12th February – Spotlighting the Law industry with DWF
- Wednesday 12th February – Breaking into Economics: My Path as an Apprentice Economist
Following the live speaker session, these talks are automatically recorded and uploaded to the broadcast library for future viewing. We have hundreds of talks ready to inspire your future career!
How do I get involved?
Our celebration of apprenticeships will continue beyond National Apprenticeship Week! Joining work experience opportunities or registering for an industry spotlight session could be the key to unlocking the information you need.
Our passionate team at Speakers for Schools is delighted to provide valuable career guidance, helping you broaden your horizons and discover your true talents for a bright future.
Create your free account with Speakers for Schools and take your next step today!
Then what? Apply, get involved, and we canât wait to see you there!