National Apprenticeship Week 2026

National Apprenticeship Week 2026 takes place from 9–13 February and celebrates the Skills for Life that apprenticeships develop in individuals and organisations. This National Apprenticeship Week, Keele University is proud to shine a spotlight on the incredible opportunities that apprenticeships bring to individuals and organisations alike. Throughout the week, Keele University is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week by showcasing how our apprenticeship programmes support employers to build skilled, future-ready workforces.

Discover more below... 

Keele University Apprenticeships Employer Breakfast Event

Grow Smarter: Using Apprenticeships to Cut Costs, Retain Talent and Drive Growth
Thursday 12th February 08:30-11:00
Denise Coates Foundation Building, Keele University Campus

Join Keele University during National Apprenticeship Week for a practical employer breakfast focused on building a stronger, more resilient workforce. Explore how apprenticeships can drive skills development, strengthen recruitment, and support long term workforce planning.

Designed for both existing and prospective apprenticeship employers, the session will provide a clear update on current apprenticeship policy, funding opportunities, and practical ways to maximise impact.

With a strong focus on supporting SMEs, the event will offer expert insight, real-world examples, and the chance to connect with Keele’s apprenticeship specialists and regional employer network.

Join us for insightful conversations, refreshments and networking to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2026. 

Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2026

Alongside our Apprenticeships Employer Breakfast Event, we will be hosting three webinars during National Apprenticeship Week.

Two webinars will showcase our Nursing and Midwifery apprenticeship pathways, highlighting how employers can develop their workforce while creating meaningful progression opportunities for apprentices.

A third webinar, will focus on our Environmental Practitioner and Geoscientist apprenticeships, exploring how these programmes support skills development across the environmental sector.

After National Apprenticeship Week, we will host a further webinar dedicated to our Data Scientist apprenticeship, demonstrating how organisations can build future-ready data and digital capability.

  • Undergraduate Nursing and Midwifery Apprenticeships Webinar  
    Monday 9th February 12:30pm - 1:30pm

  • Environmental Practitioner and Geoscientist Apprenticeships Webinar
    Tuesday 10th February 2:00pm - 3:00pm
  • Data Scientist Apprenticeship Webinar
    Wednesday 11th March 1:00pm - 1:45pm
  • Postgraduate Nursing and Midwifery Apprenticeships Webinar  
    Thursday 12th February 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Why Join Our Apprenticeship Webinars?
Whether you’re considering taking on an apprentice, looking to start your own apprenticeship journey, or exploring how apprenticeships can support workforce development in your organisation, our webinars will give you valuable insights:

  • Understand current and future workforce needs: Learn how apprenticeships, especially in health and care can help address skills shortages and build a resilient workforce.

  • Discover flexible apprenticeship options: See how health apprenticeships at Keele can be tailored to your organisation’s goals, from entry level to advanced practice roles.

  • Support effective recruitment and retention: Gain practical tips on recruiting, developing and retaining talented apprentices who can grow with your business.

  • Hear from experts: Our sessions will include insights from experienced practitioners, programme leads and apprenticeship specialists to help you make informed decisions.

This is Apprenticeships at Keele University

Who could you be?

How we champion skills for life

Since we started our apprenticeship provision in 2018, Keele University has supported over 1000 apprentices in collaboration with more than 240 employers across a wide range of programmes. In June 2023, Ofsted recognised the high quality of our apprenticeship provision with a ‘Good’ rating during a Full Inspection Visit. 

 Our aim is to help you nurture your skills in a way that aligns with your aspirations, at a time that works best for you.

Find out more about our Social Work Apprenticeship recently approved by Social Work England, our Ofsted Outstanding Skills Bootcamps and watch us in action, anytime, anywhere.

How Apprenticeships can support your business and skills needs

Keele University provides valuable support for businesses through its apprenticeship programmes.

  • Customised programme design: We collaborate with businesses to create tailored apprenticeship programmes that meet industry-specific needs.
  • Flexible delivery: We offer delivery models that enable your staff to balance work and study commitments.
  • Expert guidance: Our dedicated Business Engagement Manager guides employers with onboarding, navigating compliance and apprenticeship integration in your business.
  • Ongoing collaboration: We ensure you are supported throughout the apprenticeship process and communicate openly with apprentices and employers.
  • Financial Advice: We will guide employers so they can access and maximise funding through the Apprenticeship Levy.

Contact us for a discussion about onboarding apprentices in your business.