Celebrating apprenticeships and skills for National Apprenticeship Week

National Apprenticeship Week (10 to 14 February) is the UK’s annual celebration of apprenticeships and skills, highlighting the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

The theme of this year’s National Apprenticeship Week is Skills for Life, which recognises how apprenticeships help individuals to gain the skills they need to succeed in their career, while also giving employers the opportunity to develop a workforce with future-ready skills. 

50 Apprenticeships in 5 Days

To mark National Apprenticeship Week, we've been working with businesses and organisations across the city to generate 50 new apprenticeship vacancies in 5 days. 

The initiative was launched to raise the profile of apprenticeship opportunities in Brighton & Hove and to highlight the benefits they offer both employers and employees.

National Apprenticeship Week events

In addition to launching the 50 Apprenticeships in 5 Days campaign, our Apprenticeship team organised a series of events over the course of the week to celebrate the contributions of apprenticeships in Brighton & Hove. These included:

• an apprenticeship fair at the Youth Employment Hub 
• an apprenticeship event at the Job Centre to promote apprenticeships
• ‘tea and talk’ sessions for council apprentices and corporate directors
• entry to the Great Apprenticeship Bake Off, sponsored by the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network
• visits for council apprentices to the Old Police Cells, followed by tea in the Mayor's Parlour
• launch of the council’s internal apprenticeship awards

We have also been flying the flag for apprenticeships at Hove Town Hall throughout the week. 

Hands-on experience

Councillor Emma Daniel, Cabinet member for Children, Families and Youth Services, said: “National Apprenticeship Week is a fantastic opportunity to showcase all the benefits that apprenticeships offer to individuals, businesses and the local economy. 

“Apprenticeships help employers to support and retain staff, fill skills gaps and increase staff productivity, while giving employees the opportunity to learn while you earn, develop life skills and gain hands-on experience in your chosen career. 

“As National Apprenticeship Week draws to a close, I’d like to encourage everyone to consider whether an apprenticeship could be right for you, someone you know, or your employer.”

Local apprentice opportunities

An apprenticeship could be a good choice if you enjoy a practical, hands-on style of learning. Find out if an apprenticeship is right for you on the Amazing Apprenticeships website.

Explore local opportunities by viewing apprenticeship vacancies at the council or apprenticeship vacancies in Brighton & Hove.

Business Pre-Employment Forum 

Last year we launched a network to help employers learn more about the benefits of offering apprenticeships, work experience placements and internships in Brighton & Hove.

If you’re an employer and would like to find out more, follow the Business Pre-Employment Forum’s Eventbrite page for details of future meetings.