National Apprenticeship Week 2026
06 Feb 2026
Get involved!
Next week (9 – 15 February) is National Apprenticeship Week! We are proud to have over 500 colleagues working towards a professional apprenticeship here at the university, with an investment of over 2.5 million pounds from our apprenticeship levy. This reflects our commitment to development and helping colleagues build their careers.
This year’s theme is ‘Skills for life,’ shining a spotlight on how apprenticeships help people and organisations grow, adapt, and thrive. This week you can learn about some of the key successes and further opportunities an apprenticeship can bring colleagues across the university.
Apprenticeship Roadshows
There are two opportunities to step into the world of our apprenticeships and get quick, practical answers to any questions you have around: what you can study, how you can develop yourself, how you can support apprentices in your team, and anything else you’re unsure about. If you join us on Wednesday, you’ll also have the chance to get hands-on with activities in green sciences, 3D printing, microscopy, and more.
- Wednesday 11 February, Nancy Rothwell Building Foyer, 10.00 - 15.00 drop in. Register interest here
- Thursday 12 February, University Place Building Foyer, 09.00 - 12:00 drop in. Register interest here
There will also be other activity around campus and on LinkedIn, covering future talent, career development, management, and team experiences within the apprenticeship space. Watch this space!
Spotlight: Claude Bititi, Apprentice Electrical Electronics Engineering Technician
Spotlight: Dr Richard Figueroa, Lecturer in Geographical Information Science (GIS) and recent Level 3 Leadership and Development apprentice:
“Completing the Level 3 Leadership and Development apprenticeship has been a hugely valuable step in my career. It strengthened my self‑awareness, sharpened my leadership skills, and helped me build more effective, high‑performing teams. I’ve been able to apply what I learned straight away in my teaching and day‑to‑day work, and it’s already made a real difference. I’m proud to have completed the programme and would encourage anyone to use an apprenticeship to grow their skills and open up new opportunities.”
Further Information
- Check out our new Staffnet site for more information on how you can develop yourself and colleagues through an apprenticeship at our university
- The results of our 2025 Your Voice Matters survey show that only 47% of respondents feel their career aspirations are being met here. Apprenticeships are just one way existing colleagues can enhance their skills, knowledge and behaviours to grow their career here.
- Join the conversation on social channels using #NAW2026, #SkillsForLife, #CareersAtUoM and #TheUniversityOfManchester