National Apprenticeship Week 2023 #NAW2023

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) recognises and celebrates the accomplishments of apprentices across England.

An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain experience and get paid. You’re an employee with a contract of employment and holiday leave. By the end of an apprenticeship, you'll have the right skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career.  It can take between one and six years to complete an apprenticeship depending on which one you choose, what level it is and your previous experience. It’s funded from contributions made by the government and your employer.

We work with employers to develop, approve, review and revise apprenticeships as well as other technical qualifications.

We are transforming and improving the skills system by putting employers at the heart and making it easier to navigate for all.

We follow expert guidance from thousands of large and small employers to deliver world-class apprenticeships, T Levels, and Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQ).

The 16th annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships, taking place across England, will showcase the impact apprenticeships can have on communities, local businesses, and regional economies. You can find out more about how you can benefit from apprenticeships with the information below.

 

1. I'm an employer interested in getting involved with IfATE to shape future apprenticeships

A montage of apprentices

At IfATE our work aims to make sure apprenticeships and technical education are of the highest quality. This helps to give every employer and individual the skills they need to succeed.

All apprenticeships, T Levels and Higher Technical Qualifications are based on occupations recognised by employers. Working together we've built over 600 occupational standards across 15 occupational routes.

 

Join an IfATE group or panel

To register interest in joining a group or board contact enquiries.ifa@education.gov.uk

Trailblazer groups are responsible for developing and updating occupational standards which form a key component of an apprenticeship. 

Route panels are responsible for ensuring that apprenticeship standards, T Level qualifications and Higher Technical Qualifications are high quality and meet the needs of employers, apprentices, students and the economy at large.

The green advisory panel helps focus efforts to make sure the right skills are in place for the future workforce to deliver the green technology shift the UK needs.

The energy and utilities advisory panel (EUAP) will help ensure that the current and future skills needs of these industries are captured and reflected in technical qualifications and apprenticeships.   

We are also looking for peer reviewers to undertake independent reviews of new and updated qualifications and apprenticeships. Reviewers must not be members of trailblazer groups and must not review any materials they have been involved in developing. We are particularly looking for FE lecturers, academics and employers to provide insights about Level 2 & 3 technical qualifications (TQs) in Engineering & Manufacturing, Construction & the Built Environment, Digital, Health & Science and Education & Childcare.

Reviewers who have a contract with IfATE are eligible to receive a fee. The workload is highly flexible, and a typical review may take 2-4 hours. For information, please contact IFA.PeerReview@education.gov.uk

 

Have your say

You can get involved in consultations and surveys.

 

2. I'm interested in taking on an apprentice

A montage of apprentices

Apprenticeships are for those aged 16 or over and combine working with studying to gain skills and knowledge in a job role.

All employers must use the apprenticeship service to access apprenticeship training to meet their business needs, filling skills gaps and boosting productivity.

Apprenticeships can benefit your business by:

  • developing a workforce with skills specific to your business
  • allowing existing employees to pass on their knowledge with your next generation of employees
  • providing you with a motivated and fast-developing workforce

 

Apprentices can be new or current employees and:

 

  • work with experienced staff
  • learn skills relevant to your organisation
  • get time for training or study during their working week (at least 20% of their normal working hours)

 

Useful Links

Find out more about offering an apprenticeship

Employing an apprentice

How apprenticeship funding works

The apprentice guide to quality apprenticeships - (raising the standard) 

 

3. I'm interested in becoming an apprentice

A montage of apprentices

We can signpost you to the right place if you are thinking about becoming an apprentice.

To become an apprentice:

  • you must be 16 or over, not already be in full-time education and live in England.
  • you can start an apprenticeship whether you’re starting your career, want a change or you're upskilling in your current job.
  • you can have a previous qualification like a degree and still start an apprenticeship.

 

As an apprentice you’ll:

 

  • learn and train for a specific job
  • get paid and receive holiday leave 
  • get hands-on experience in a real job
  • study for at least 20% of your working hours - usually at a college, university or with a training provider 
  • complete assessments during and at the end of your apprenticeship
  • be on a career path with lots of future potential

 

Useful Links

Becoming an apprentice

Browse which apprenticeships are available

Apply for an apprenticeship

The apprentice guide to quality apprenticeships - (raising the standard)