The ASK Programme

Inspiring a Generation – 2015 to 2025

The Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge (ASK) Programme has been a driving force in transforming how apprenticeships are understood and promoted across England. Over the course of ten years, ASK empowered students, supported schools and colleges, trained teachers, and celebrated thousands of apprentices and ambassadors. As the programme draws to a close in 2025, here’s a look back at a decade of innovation, impact and inspiration.

Increasing awareness: The ASK programme has greatly increased awareness of apprenticeships and technical education among students, parents, carers and educators.
Enhanced support: Schools and colleges received bespoke support packages, tailored to the needs of the establishment, including workshops and resources, to help students understand and navigate apprenticeship opportunities.

Access to opportunity: The programme has ensured that every educational establishment in England with students in years 10-13 has access to these resources, with a particular focus on individuals facing additional barriers and challenges in accessing apprenticeships.
The programme has been widely recognised by Government officials, Ministers and school leaders for being an incredibly successful and impactful programme.

 

2015/16 – The Beginning: Pilot Year

  • ASK launched as a pilot to test demand in schools — and there was plenty!
  • Early engagement proved the need for structured apprenticeship support.

2016/17 – National Rollout Begins

  • Four regional delivery partners engaged 2,016 establishments in the first full year.
  • The Apprenticeship Champions Network was launched, empowering 500 educators to promote apprenticeships.
  • Development began on the Young Apprentice Ambassador Network (YAAN).

2017/18 – Building Momentum

  • Introduced live broadcasts and began supporting parents and carers directly.
  • 10K Talks Campaign supported 50 apprentice ambassadors to lead sessions in schools/colleges over National Apprenticeship Week.
  • Skills Minister, Anne Milton, launched Vacancy Snapshot at the House of Commons — the first employer insight platform for apprenticeships.
  • 5 Apprenticeship Champions were honoured at regional and national stages of the National Apprenticeship Awards. Sarah Barley was named national winner, with Julie Honour-Jones receiving a Highly Commended award — both recognised for their outstanding dedication to promoting apprenticeships in schools and colleges.
  • More Champions were recognised and joined the DfE to celebrate International Women’s Day at The National Gallery.
  • Midlands partner, Workpays, launched The Big Assembly, a nationwide broadcast event connecting thousands of students with inspirational apprenticeship stories.

2018/19 – National Engagement Expands

  • Began national rollout of YAAN school visits supporting the ASK programme.
  • Released the first Parents/Carers Pack, 60 employers featured on Vacancy Snapshot and 25,000 subject posters linking school subjects to apprenticeship pathways were distributed to schools/colleges.
  • Grew momentum over National Apprenticeship Week, with 250 teachers taking part in Teacher Talks and 300 school events supported through ASK, reaching 16.5K students.
  • Teacher consultations took place across England to develop KS3 content and support for learners with additional needs. 30 Apprenticeship Champions were invited to share their thoughts on apprenticeship support in schools at the House of Commons.
  • The Youth Voice Census revealed that 83% of young people had been spoken to about apprenticeships, showcasing the impact of the ASK programme in its first 3 years.

2019/20 – New Audiences and Challenges

  • The ASK programme welcomed new delivery partners to cover the South and London regions.
  • Launched the Key Stage 3 offer and a Sixth Form programme.
  • ASK partners began training ambassadors to deliver sessions in schools.
  • Apprenticeship Champions, Helen Everett and Joanna Moles, were highly commended at the National Apprenticeship Awards.
  • The ASK programme introduced content on T Levels and traineeships.
  • The ASK programme swiftly adapted to the challenges of COVID-19 by transitioning its offerings to a digital format, which included:
    – Learn at Home resources
    – Online assemblies, one-on-one support, new sessions and webinars
    – Free CPD webinars for teachers, delivered throughout the summer

2020/21 – Adapting to New Realities

  • Delivered a blended offer combining virtual and face-to-face engagement.
  • Established the SEND Advisory Group to connect teachers/careers advisers who were supporting young people with additional needs to access apprenticeships.
  • Increased outreach to disadvantaged learners and those at risk of becoming NEET.
  • Delivered targeted transition support for students in Years 11 and 13.
  • The digital offer for the ASK programme transitioned to apprenticeships.gov.uk

2021/22 – Prevention and Development

  • Rolled out the Development Schools programme, which offered more bespoke, intensive support for disadvantaged or underrepresented students in addressing barriers to progressing into apprenticeships.
  • Included NEET prevention activities in delivery, working with local authorities to widen support.
  • Cumulative engagement reached over 4,500 schools and colleges.

2022/23 – Back to the Classroom

  • The ASK programme returned to predominantly face-to-face delivery.
  • Introduced a tailored Further Education college offer.
  • Launched centralised teacher and parent CPD sessions through Amazing Apprenticeships.

2023/24 – Inclusion and Awareness

  • Focused on widening participation and reaching underrepresented learners.
  • Began supporting schools and students with information about Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs).

2024/25 – Final Year and Legacy

  • The ASK Programme moved under the management of the Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC).
  • By its close, ASK will have engaged with over 4 million students, nearly 5,000 educational establishments and supported thousands of teachers, parents and carers.

 

A Lasting Impact

From a small pilot to a nationwide movement, the ASK Programme has made a lasting difference in how young people discover and pursue apprenticeships and technical education. Its resources, networks, and legacy will continue to shape apprenticeship awareness for years to come.