February 9 – 15 is National Apprenticeship Week 2026! Apprenticeships are real jobs which allow you to earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain skills and valuable work experience. All while studying a qualification. These can be in a variety of areas, from engineering to fashion to law, and a whole lot more. Whether you're a school leaver or have been working for years and want new skills, you can apply for an apprenticeship.

Sarah recently completed an apprenticeship:

Doing an apprenticeship has improved my career by allowing me to develop practical, job-specific skills alongside gaining relevant knowledge and qualifications. It has increased my confidence in my role, as I am able to apply what I have learned directly to my day-to-day work and make more informed decisions.

As a mature student, one of the key positives of completing an apprenticeship at work was the increase in my personal confidence, as it allowed me to update and strengthen my skills and knowledge and apply them directly in practice. The apprenticeship also provided reassurance that the work practices I was already using were appropriate and effective.

Additionally, being part of a cohort with individuals from a wide range of business backgrounds allowed me to share good practice, gain new perspectives, and build valuable professional relationships and friendships.”

Jason recently completed his management course in ILM Level 3, he said:

Having completed a recognised management course in ILM Level 3 it will allow me to progress through the ranks of the engineering department. Many of my colleagues have undertaken this course in the past and it has improved the way we all view leadership and ourselves.

You get the best of both worlds. You can study and complete a qualification whilst learning on the job. The learning can often help with confidence whilst the job helps with the course. Having completed a degree and an apprenticeship during my working life I can say it certainly helps you understand the principles you are learning about far more than if it was all just theory.”

Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills said:

National Apprenticeship Week is a great opportunity to highlight the real benefits apprenticeships bring to our city. Apprenticeships offer people of all ages the chance to earn while they learn, gain qualifications and build the practical skills that employers value. Whether you’re starting out, changing career or looking to progress in your existing career, an apprenticeship can be a powerful route into a successful career.”

If you are interested in learning more about what apprenticeships are available visit the GOV.UK page. You can also learn more about what opportunities are available in Derby by visiting the Derby City Council Employment Hub or by signing up to the free Derby Jobs Weekly newsletter.