Leading National Apprenticeship Week into its 20th year: A message from Steve Jenkins, Department of Work and Pensions

Hi I’m Steve Jenkins and I’m a Senior Manager within the Department for Work and Pensions, overseeing National Apprenticeship Week, the Top 100 Employers and the National Apprenticeship & Skills Awards.

I’ve been involved with National Apprenticeship Week since it first started back in 2008, and have had the pleasure of being the national lead since 2020. I’ve seen first-hand how the week has evolved into a high-profile, nationwide celebration of apprenticeships in England – and it’s fantastic to see how schools are getting involved too.

2027 will mark the 20^th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week. It will take place from the 8^th – 14^th February, and we are keen to involve schools and education settings to get involved in celebrating the week.

National Apprenticeship Week has become a key point in the calendar where apprenticeships and skills take centre stage, attracting national media attention and high-profile visits from figures including The King, The Princess Royal and senior government ministers. These moments help reinforce the vital role apprenticeships play in the UK’s economic and social future.

The true success of the week comes from the work of those on the ground – schools, colleges, employers, providers, and ambassadors – who bring the week to life through their activity and engagement. The Department for Work and Pensions, alongside partners such as Amazing Apprenticeships, help by providing a framework of support, ideas, and resources to help organisations deliver meaningful and engaging experiences.

There are many key tools that help to underpin the week. This includes:

• Annual theme (this will be announced in September)
• The NAW website – hosting a range of supporting resources, toolkits and imagery
• The NAW Events Map – available from early November, schools, colleges and employers are encouraged to register their planned activities on the events map – whether online or in person.
• Apprenticeship and T Level Ambassadors – offering face-to-face talks and other activities, not only for NAW but at other times of the year as well. To request support from the T Level Ambassador Network, simply email [email protected]. To get in touch with the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, contact your regional network via gov.uk/influencers/yaan-regional-networks

If you would like to hear about the theme, key dates and receive updates on resources, I encourage you to sign up to receive the official DWP National Apprenticeship Week newsletter.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to wish you a successful NAW 2027 and to thank you for your continued commitment to inspiring students to explore this valuable pathway.