Now in its 19th year, National Apprenticeship Week highlights how apprenticeships can help businesses:

• Develop a talented workforce that is equipped with skills for the future
• Support economic growth by addressing priority skills gaps
• Open doors for people of all ages to exciting and rewarding careers

Key facts for employers to know:

• 78% of apprentice employers report improved productivity
• 83% of apprentice employers are satisfied with their apprenticeship programme
• 86% of apprentices were satisfied with their apprenticeships and 88% felt their career prospects improved

Training costs for new apprentices are 95%-100% funded by the government

The government will fund all of the apprenticeship training costs (up to a maximum) for all apprentices under the age of 25 - and fund 95% of the costs for those 25 and over.

There are potential additional payments made to employers who hire care leavers or people aged 16-18.

Learn all about the funding on offer for hiring apprentices.

Current employers can become apprentices

Did you know you can use apprenticeships to upskill and retrain your existing workforce? This can help you fill key skill gaps in your business, boost employee motivation by investing in their development, and
improve staff retention.

Learn about a great opportunity for one SME in Buckinghamshire to upskill employees through a fully funded project management apprenticeship that also supports the green economy.

Hiring an apprentice is also a great learning and development opportunity for current staff as it helps them build their communication, leadership and management skills.

Local success stories

Seeing is believing, so see how Solstrand Industries and TP Smart Repairs both benefited from brilliant apprenticeship experiences.

We can demystify apprenticeships for you

Come to our free Power Hour webinar on March 10th that is perfect for business owners and senior managers who are considering apprenticeships as a way of recruiting new talent and securing the future of their business.

Advertise your apprenticeship vacancies

In 2025, there were 1.6 million views of the government's 'Find an apprenticeship' website during NAW! This is the perfect time to make sure your vacancies are listed.

Learn how to go about listing your vacancies - and about other aspects of recruiting an apprentice - on the government's apprenticeships website.

Are you already hiring apprentices?

If so, brilliant! Consider applying to be a Top Apprenticeship Employer or entering the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2026 to demonstrate the success of your organisation's apprenticeship programme.

BBF & Bucks Skills Hub are right here to help

Whether you are looking to start an apprenticeship scheme, enhance your current offerings, or need guidance on navigating the complexities of apprenticeship regulations, we have you covered.

Our experienced Workforce Skills Team and Bucks Skills Hub know everything there is to know about apprenticeships and skills - and they are just a phone call or email away. 

We can also help you get more involved with engaging with local schools, colleges and universities, which helps to raise awareness of your business among a broad range of young people and parents. There are also ways for you to share details of your skills gaps with education providers, meaning you can play an active role in shaping the skills agenda in Buckinghamshire.

For questions of any kind relating to apprenticeships - or anything else you read in this article - email [email protected] or call 01494 927130. You can also book a chat online with one of the team.

Further resources and information

• Employer support government homepage >
• Discover the support from Amazing Apprenticeships >
• Learn about flexible apprenticeships >
• Employing an apprentice: a step-by-step guide >
• Understanding apprenticeship benefits and funding >
• Payments for hiring a young apprentice >
• Employer guides to off-the-job training and degree and higher apprenticeships >
• Alternatives to apprenticeships, such as T Levels >
• Supported internships for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) >