What is National Apprenticeship Week?
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is an annual campaign dedicated to raising awareness of apprenticeships and the opportunities they create. It highlights how apprenticeships help individuals gain the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to succeed in their chosen careers, while also supporting businesses to grow and thrive.
Each year, NAW is centred around a unifying theme that reflects current priorities within the workforce and education landscape such as skills development, diversity, or career progression.
The Bigger Picture: Apprenticeships in Numbers
Recent data highlighted during and around National Apprenticeship Week paints a strong picture of growth:
- 353,500 apprenticeship starts were recorded in England in 2024/2025, a 4.1% increase on the previous year
- 761,500 people are currently participating in apprenticeships nationwide
- 198,300 apprenticeship achievements were recorded, the highest level since 2017/18
- Around 85% of apprentices complete their programmes, with 60% staying with their employer after completion
These figures show a clear shift toward higher-level skills and long-term career development, alongside improving completion and retention rates.
Key Changes to Apprenticeships Coming Up
One of the most significant takeaways from recent National Apprenticeship Weeks is the scale of upcoming reform, particularly around employer contributions and funding.
- £2,000 apprenticeship incentive payment for every apprentice aged 16-24 you hire (SMEs/non-levy payers only) - For those starting apprenticeships from 1 October as long as they have joined their employer in the last three months (i.e. from July 2026)
- £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant for hiring young people aged 18-24 who have been claiming Universal Credit for six months (all employers) - For those starting from June 2026.
These new grants and incentives support the wider package which is already in place which include:
- 16-18 year old incentive: £1,000 for apprentices aged 16-18 or for those 19-24 for those with an ECHP or care leavers (this existing scheme for all employers will continue alongside the new incentives)
- Employer National Insurance exemption: Complete exemption from employer’s National Insurance contributions for all apprentices under 25 (subject to a salary cap of £50,270).
As further details are released, we will keep you updated. Bear in mind that this is a summary, and it only includes those changes most closely linked to our offer. As always, please speak to us if you are unsure.
At its core, National Apprenticeship Week is a reminder of just how valuable apprenticeships can be for SMEs. With strong funding support, added incentives, and more flexibility on the horizon, it’s a great time for smaller businesses to get involved.
For more information regarding apprenticeships and how we can help both learners and employers, reach out to the Quest team today at info@questfortraining.com or call us on 01474 704441.