More young people could be inclined to find out more about private apprenticeship programs following the recent National Apprenticeship Week. 

The event took place between February 5th and 11th, with 2024 being the 17th year the week-long campaign has been held in the UK. 

The aim was to highlight the “positive impact apprenticeships and skills have on economic growth, productivity, and [create] opportunities for local businesses, communities and individuals”, according to the Rt Hon Robert Halfon, Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education. 

He added the national week was intended to inspire students and raise awareness of the different apprenticeship options available in the UK. 

Almost all (93 per cent) of apprentices that complete their training stay in their job afterwards or carry on with their education. 

The MP also revealed the median earnings for an apprentice at level 3 was £18,910 one year on from completing their training, with this figure increasing to an average of £24,920 after five years. 

To celebrate apprenticeships, many events were held around the country, including job fairs where people can find out more about upcoming opportunities in their area. 

Some huge brands were also involved in National Apprenticeship Week, providing training programs and potentially future careers, for young people. 

These included Aldi, Amazon, BBC, Costa Coffee, Google, Lloyds Banking Group, Microsoft, Nando’s, Network Rail, Pret, Royal Mail, ScrewFix, and Travis Perkins. 

This eclectic mix of apprenticeship providers shows the variation in training opportunities available these days, whether a career in banking, engineering or catering is on the cards. 

There is also the option to undertake a degree apprenticeship, enabling students to earn an undergraduate or master’s degree while they are working. They can benefit from not having to pay for tuition fees, being able to study during working hours, and earning a salary at the same time.