News / National Apprenticeship Week
Training provider network gears up for National Apprenticeship Week
As National Apprenticeship Week approaches, there is a growing focus on the vital role that apprenticeships play in shaping the workforce of tomorrow.
Throughout the UK, apprenticeships are being hailed as an essential part of the nation’s skills development strategy, providing young people with the opportunity to earn while they learn, and gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields.
In the West of England, the Western Training Provider Network (WTPN) has positioned itself at the forefront of celebrating the event.
Running from February 10 to 16, the National Apprenticeship Week highlights the transformative opportunities apprenticeships provide for individuals, businesses, and communities.
The WTPN has played a crucial role in advancing apprenticeship success throughout the region, offering a range of services
It has long served as a platform to recognise the vital role apprenticeships play in driving economic growth and offering hands-on, real-world learning experiences.
Whether individuals are at the crossroads of their career journey, businesses are looking to enhance their workforce skills, or local communities are keen to support young talent, WTPN is inviting all to get involved.
The WTPN has played a crucial role in advancing apprenticeship success throughout the region, offering a range of services and initiatives that directly benefit both apprentices and employers.
Among the key efforts WTPN is spearheading is the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer, which allows businesses to maximise their contributions to the apprenticeship levy while also helping SMEs access essential funding for training.
The initiative is to ensure that smaller businesses can compete with larger organisations by providing them with the opportunity to invest in their workforce development.
In addition, WTPN actively engages with schools, inspiring young people to consider apprenticeships as a viable and rewarding career pathway.
By collaborating with educational institutions, WTPN helps to raise awareness of the diverse and exciting opportunities available, encouraging students to explore alternatives to traditional academic routes.
Furthermore, the West of England Apprenticeship Service offers impartial guidance to SMEs at every stage of the apprenticeship journey. This free service assists businesses in finding the right training providers, advertising apprenticeship roles, and ensuring that both employers and apprentices are well-supported and positioned for success.
As part of National Apprenticeship Week celebrations, WTPN is hosting two key events that promise to inspire and inform:
The SME Roundtable at Engine Shed on February 12 which will feature Anthony Impey, chair of the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, leading the “100 SME Challenge”.
The SME Roundtable at Engine Shed will bring together regional employers and potential apprentices
This roundtable discussion will encourage local SMEs to share best practices for integrating apprenticeships into their business models and explore how apprentices can help unlock business potential. With two sessions on offer, this event provides SMEs with a valuable opportunity to learn and collaborate.
On February 20, WTPN will host a special event at Rocketmakers in Bath, focusing on creating workplace cultures that embrace continuous learning. With inspiring success stories from businesses that have benefitted from apprenticeships, this event will highlight how apprentices can drive both innovation and growth.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025 presents a unique opportunity to celebrate the positive impact apprenticeships have on both individuals and businesses.
Through their ongoing efforts, WTPN is expecting to build a culture of lifelong learning, support local talent, and foster the development of stronger, more innovative businesses across the West of England.
the National Apprenticeship Week highlights the transformative opportunities apprenticeships provide for individuals, businesses, and communities
To learn about WTPN and National Apprenticeship Week, visit www.wtpn.org.uk
All photos: WTPN/Engine Shed
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