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12 April 2026

Author: Nick Linford

Schools and employers need to get together

The needs of employers should be running through the veins of the school system. Young people should be fully informed about their choices – and have the vital skills for the world of work, , says Jason Holt. Apprenticeships have barely been out of the headlines over the past six months.  There have been two […]

National Apprenticeship Week Photography Competition

If you provide apprenticeships then encourage your learners to take a photograph that represents their apprenticeship and be in with a chance of winning an absolutely fantastic prize! Email one entry before March 18th to photos@feweek.co.uk, including contact details, the apprenticeship qualification, employer and college or training provider. A selection of submissions will be published […]

A strong apprentice brand is invaluable

Schools and businesses must both play their part in reinforcing  apprenticeships, says Adrian Bailey MP National Apprenticeship Week is an opportunity to underline the crucial role that apprenticeships play in the skills base of our country, to celebrate the achievements of many of our young people and to campaign for the changes needed to get […]

Advertorial: Accessing apprenticeships – a passport to a successful future

Apprenticeships are good for business, in every sense of the word, says David Grailey National Apprenticeship Week is a time to celebrate the true value of apprenticeships in terms of stimulating the economy, increasing workplace productivity, developing staff, and providing exciting opportunities for young people to get their foot on the career ladder. It’s my […]

Why the introduction of FE loans is wrong

It’s folly to try to transfer a university funding model to FE, says Toni Pearce National Apprenticeship Week celebrates the success of a system that creates education and employment opportunities for thousands of young people and adults. That’s why it is so worrying that the government is introducing initiatives that haven’t been proven to work […]

Give employers ownership via tax system

More employer ownership (and tax credits) will help to ensure that apprenticeship schemes drive the economy forward, says Doug Richard National Apprenticeship Week provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on how valuable but undervalued apprenticeships are in this country. I am a big believer that they need to be both championed and reworked for their […]

Q&A with Ofsted’s Sir Michael Wilshaw

Sir Michael Wilshaw (pictured left), Ofsted’s chief inspector, tells FE Week of his experiences looking at Germany’s apprenticeship system Why did you visit Germany? When preparing my first annual report for learning and skills, I was keen to see how England fared on the international scene. It was striking to note that youth unemployment was […]

New jobs, new business and new growth

The sixth National Apprenticeship Week is a chance to reflect and look forward to the changes that will drive up the quality of apprenticeships, says Matthew Hancock Apprenticeships are booming with more than a million starting since the last election. But there is much more to tell in this success story. As well as ensuring […]

Online vacancies and applications soar

The boss of the National Apprenticeship Service said that more consumers and employers “are recognising the benefits of apprenticeships”. David Way, chief executive of the service, spoke out as new figures revealed that 26 per cent more places were open to apprentices applying online from November 2012 to January 2013 than the previous year. There […]