National Apprenticeship Week 2026 - #SkillsForLife | News and Events

Monday 9 February marks the start of National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (NAW). Now in its 19th year, NAW brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

This year’s theme is ‘Skills for Life’. It encourages everyone to consider and celebrate how apprenticeships and skills help us all reach our full potential. They break down barriers to opportunity and drive economic growth by developing the skills employers need.

As part of NAW, we caught up with colleagues from across the Trust who are completing an apprenticeship alongside their full-time role.

Laura Farr, Allied Health Professional Lead (AHP)

Meet Laura Farr, Allied Health Professional Lead (AHP), who is completing a Level 7 Senior Leadership apprenticeship.

"Being on an apprenticeship means that my day‑to‑day work is intentionally focused on seeking out new opportunities and knowledge, as this is essential for building evidence against the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) set by the university. 

"Working toward these KSBs brings a new level of awareness to every contact, meeting, and project, making each interaction part of my professional development. Throughout the week, I highlight relevant evidence in my Outlook calendar, and at the end of the week I set aside an hour to upload this evidence or write brief reflective pieces about new experiences in my online portfolio.

"I’ve been fortunate to experience so many incredible opportunities since joining the NHS at 19 years old. Over the years, I’ve worked across several Trusts and have been supported and funded to qualify as a registered Occupational Therapist, complete a diploma in operational management, undertake MSc modules, and become both an accredited coach and an autism diagnostician.

"I’ve consistently had senior managers, line managers, and colleagues who have invested in me, offering guidance and creating opportunities for me to grow and develop my skills.

"Aside from a brief stint waitressing and doing some bar work, the NHS is all I’ve ever known and I’m genuinely grateful for everything it has enabled me to achieve."

Helen Yates, ICT Digital Product Agent

Meet Helen Yates, ICT Digital Product Agent, who is completing a Level 4 Data Analyst apprenticeship.

"Working in the Procurement Team within the ICT Department, I support the IT stores by managing incoming stock, sending out requested items, and recording returned or damaged devices.

"It was suggested that I apply for the Data Fellowship course, and my team have been supportive during my time on the course."

Ayodeji Afuye, Activity Coordinator

Meet Ayodeji Afuye, Activity Coordinator, who is completing a NVQ Level 3/Diploma in Health and Social Care.

"The NHS has supported my career progression by providing structured learning opportunities, on-the-job training, and regular supervision that have helped me develop both my practical skills and professional confidence. Through my role, I have gained hands-on experience working within multidisciplinary teams, supporting service users in recovery-focused care, and understanding policies, safeguarding procedures, and clinical governance.

"In addition, my development through access to apprenticeship training, reflective practice, mandatory training, and encouragement to pursue further qualifications in health and social care. This support has strengthened my commitment to continuous professional development and has helped me build a clear pathway for progression within mental health services."

Amanda Power, Activities Coordinator

Meet Amanda Power, Activities Coordinator, who is completing an Assistant Practitioner AHP Health and Social Foundation Degree.

"I began my employment with the NHS in 2017 as a Voluntary Support Assistant.  I gained paid employment in January of 2018 as an Activities Coordinator.

"I applied for the Occupational Therapist (OT) apprenticeship in March of 2023; I was unsuccessful due to not having enough UCAS points. I looked into completing an Access to Higher Education Certificate at college and also online to achieve the UCAS points, when my line manager suggested applying for this apprenticeship to gain the necessary points, to then be able to apply for the OT apprenticeship.

"The NHS has supported my career progression by giving me opportunities as a more mature student, funding my apprenticeship, allowing study leave, providing all the help I needed with my studies, and offering plenty of shadowing opportunities from the team."

Philip Denman, Estates Operational Manager

Meet Philip Denman, Estates Operational Manager, who is completing a Chartered Building Surveying degree.

"I started on the tools as a Joiner in 2012. I was promoted to Estates Supervisor, then to Estates Officer and SLA Manager, and later to Estates Operational Manager.

"The NHS has supported my career progression very well; over the last ten years I’ve completed many courses and apprenticeships, including ILM, a HNC at Wigan and Leigh College, and a Chartered Building Surveying degree."