National Apprenticeship Week 2026: Why Apprenticeships Make Business Sense
Next week is National Apprenticeship Week 2026. This week is more than a celebration – it’s a timely reminder of how apprenticeships can help employers build skilled, loyal, and future-ready teams.
With ongoing skills shortages, rapid technological change, and increased competition for talent, apprenticeships are no longer a “nice to have”. They’re a strategic workforce solution that delivers real business impact.
RNN Group has various activities during the week to celebrate employers and apprentices as well as support employers and apprentices who are new to this. We have lunchtime webinars everyday, two progression events on Tuesday and Thursday at each College campus between 10am-1pm for business to meet potential apprentices, case studies celebrating our apprentices and our annual awards event celebrating employers and apprentices with a special drinks reception for business leaders before this event at which we welcome Anthony Impey MBE, Chair of the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network.
But why are apprenticeships important?
Apprenticeships: A smart investment in your workforce
Apprenticeships allow employers to grow talent from within, shaping skills to meet real business needs. Unlike traditional recruitment, apprentices are trained specifically for your organisation, your systems, and your culture.
Key benefits for employers include:
- Closing skills gaps with role-specific training
- Improving retention, as apprentices tend to stay longer and progress internally
- Increasing productivity, with apprentices contributing while they learn
- Building future leaders through structured development pathways
For many employers, apprenticeships also offer excellent value for money, with funding available to support training and assessment costs.
Not just for entry-level roles
One of the biggest myths around apprenticeships is that they’re only for school leavers. In reality, apprenticeships now span a wide range of levels – from entry-level through to degree and leadership programmes.
Employers are using apprenticeships to:
- Upskill existing staff
- Support career progression
- Develop managers and technical specialists
- Attract career-changers with fresh perspectives
National Apprenticeship Week is the perfect opportunity to showcase how apprenticeships fit into your wider talent and development strategy.
Strengthening your employer brand
Apprenticeships send a powerful message about your organisation’s values. They demonstrate commitment to:
- Social mobility and opportunity
- Long-term workforce development
- Diversity and inclusion
- Supporting local communities
Employers who invest in apprenticeships often find it enhances their reputation with customers, partners, and prospective employees alike.
Making National Apprenticeship Week 2026 count
During National Apprenticeship Week, employers can:
- Share apprentice success stories across internal and external channels
- Highlight progression routes and career pathways
- Engage managers in conversations about skills and development
- Explore where apprenticeships could support future growth
It’s also a great time to review your current workforce plan and consider where apprenticeships could help future-proof your business.
Looking ahead
As we move further into 2026, the organisations that thrive will be those that invest in people, not just recruitment. Apprenticeships offer a practical, proven way to develop talent, strengthen capability, and prepare for what’s next.
National Apprenticeship Week 2026 is your chance to take stock, celebrate success, and commit to building the skills your business will need for the future.
RNN Group’s apprenticeships scheme for employers
Apprenticeships available at RNN Group