Celebrating Apprenticeships

Looking back on National Apprenticeship Week 2021

A man smiling and point to the sky.

The annual week long event took place from the 08 February until the 14 February, we invited apprentices and employers to learn about the apprenticeships we offer via virtual events. 

Throughout the week we hosted five events across different subject areas which explored our existing portfolio as well as our in-development programmes. Providing a valuable opportunity to gain knowledge from the employers first-hand about what they wanted from our apprenticeship delivery 

We also created content which was shared with schools and colleges to inspire future apprentices across a wide range of career paths.  

One of the highlights of the week was our ‘Advice on Mentoring your Apprentice’ webinar which aimed to help mentors understand more about the process that apprentices go through, enabling them to support them more effectively. 

The events sparked some really engaging conversations with employers and we were really pleased to be joined by so many businesses across the region.

 Julie Stone Associate Pro Vice Chancellor said:

“We are proud to be pioneering practical Higher and Degree Apprenticeships, designed in conjunction with employers to embed new skills and grow talent in the workplace. The impact on the businesses we work with is significant, allowing them to bring new talent into their workforces and enhancing existing staff through the development of new skills. National Apprenticeship Week provided us with a great opportunity to celebrate the impact of apprenticeships on individuals and organisations. This year we moved our activity online with a series of webinars which provided a great way of engaging with employers, apprentices and school and college students throughout the week.  

Andy Dowling, Business Development Manager for Apprenticeships at the University of Derby said:  

“National Apprenticeship Week is a brilliant opportunity to showcase apprenticeships, to employers and potential apprentices and celebrate the diversity the opportunities bring.  The strap line for National Apprenticeship Week this year was 'Build the future: Train, Retain and Achieve’, so it was excellent to see over 200 employers, schools and colleges support us this year’s activity by attending our sessions or engaging with the valuable resources we were able to share”. 

Catch up with our National Apprenticeship Week webinars

Could an apprenticeship be the route for you?

Last years National Apprenticeship Week 2020 event we invited apprentices from different industries to share their experiences with local schools and colleges about why studying an apprenticeship was perfect for them. 

Girl in yellow JCB t-shirt with glasses.

View Could an apprenticeship be the route for you? video transcript