National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is the biggest celebration of apprenticeships and skills in the calendar — from Monday 9 to Sunday 15 February 2026. National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is the biggest celebration of apprenticeships and skills in the calendar — from Monday 9 to Sunday 15 February 2026.
Now in its 19th year, NAW highlights how apprenticeships and skills:
-
Lead to exciting and new career paths
-
Help organisations build future-ready workforces
-
Help you develop new skills and gain more experience
The week-long national celebration is a chance to celebrate all our colleagues completing or undertaking apprenticeships within the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust. (NCA).
Amazing apprentices
We spoke with apprentices who have completed or are nearing completion of the Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship.
Adeola Badru
Starting an apprenticeship internally is one of the best decisions Adeola says she has made.
Adeola said: “I chose this route because I wanted to learn while working and not just study in a classroom. It gave me the chance to build real skills and confidence in a professional environment.
“I’m proud of completing my functional skills, producing monthly reports for colleagues and leading on a stakeholder analysis to improve communication in the department.”
Chris Mayall
Through his apprenticeship, Chris was given the opportunity to manage a project and gain experience managing tasks to meet frequent deadlines.
“I would recommend this course to anyone. It’s a great opportunity to learn and develop new skills that will have a positive impact on your current role, as well as broadening your potential for progression,” he said.
Rachel Atherden
Doing an apprenticeship with the NCA has been a seamless transition for Rachel.
Rachel said: “I’ve learned more about myself by completing regular reviews and how I can develop my qualities.”
“The sessions have encouraged me to think outside the box. It has been rewarding to read (positive feedback) and to see that I am succeeding.”
Empowering colleagues to grow and gain qualifications
Gertie Nic Philib, chief people and strategy officer at the Northern Care Alliance, said: “Apprenticeships play a vital role in how we develop and retain talented colleagues across the NCA. Apprenticeships are a really great way to enable our colleagues to grow, gain new qualifications, and confidently progress into new career pathways – all while continuing to work whilst they learn and develop.
“By investing in apprenticeships, we are not only supporting individual career development, but also building a more flexible, highly skilled, and resilient workforce for the future. Supporting our colleagues with apprenticeships is also a great way to give back to our communities and recognise the great colleagues we have from all our local areas.
“During National Apprenticeship Week, I would like to thank all our current and recent apprentices. I also want to recognise the apprenticeship team, our dedicated tutors, and the many line managers who support colleagues throughout their journey. Your time, guidance, encouragement and expertise make these opportunities possible.”
Get involved!
Celebrate National Apprenticeship Week by sharing your own inspirational story and journey on social media and help us get #NAW2026 trending for NAW 2026!
Find out more on the National Apprenticeship Week website.
