National Apprenticeship Week is a chance to shout about all that is great about apprentices and their trainers on a national stage.
This year’s festivities is the 12th annual celebration of its kind. This year, there were 780 events taking place across England as part of the week-long extravaganza.
More details, including next year’s theme, will be confirmed over the coming months, according to the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). Here is what we know so far:
The theme for this year's week is "blaze a trail". It comes as the Department for Education has appointed the renowned advertising agency M&C Saatchi in a bid to challenge "outdated attitudes" towards apprenticeships.
What happened last time around?
This year, the ESFA's National Apprenticeship Service organised a series of graduation ceremonies across the country during the week. Some 250 apprentices took part in six ceremonies, which were the first of their kind.
One of the highlights of the week was an event called Apprenticeships Work for Women, which was held at the National Gallery in London as part of International Women’s Day.
When is it?
This year's National Apprenticeship Week takes place from Monday 4 March to Friday 8 March 2019. It will coincide with National Careers Week and International Women’s Day on the Friday.
What is the theme?
Skills minister Anne Milton said “blazing a trail" is what being an apprentice is all about. She added: "Because that’s what’s happening up and down the country – apprentices and employers blazing a trail.
“I want everyone to recognise the change that apprenticeships can bring - for employers blazing a trail to new markets, apprentices to new career opportunities and for colleges and training providers raising the skills levels for everyone."
Keith Smith, ESFA director said: “I want the 12th annual National Apprenticeship Week to be the biggest and most successful, yet.
“The theme for this year: Blaze a Trail is at the heart of what apprenticeships are all about. I really hope our partners feel as excited about it as we do and, like previous years, they will get fully behind the week.
“We want everyone to consider hosting an event or activity so more people get to see and hear about the huge benefits apprenticeships can bring to employers, individuals and local communities.”
How can I get involved?
Mr Smith said he hopes that by sharing the date six months in advance, those interested in getting involved will start to plan some “new and exciting activities”.
More information will be posted on the Get in Go Far apprenticeships website in the run-up to the week.
