National Apprenticeship Week 2026 - 9th - 15th February 2026
Celebrate National Apprenticeship Week (NAW2026) with Blackburn College’s Apprenticeship Recruitment Service. This week is a national moment to showcase how apprenticeships and workplace training create opportunities for individuals and businesses across sectors.
Why employ an apprentice?
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Futureproof your workforce - Bring in motivated talent trained to your business standards.
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Improve retention - Apprentices who grow within your business are more likely to stay.
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Cost-effective recruitment - Wages for apprentices are competitively priced and supported by funding in many cases.
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Fresh perspectives & innovation - New apprentices often bring up-to-date skills and a fresh viewpoint.
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Strengthen your local community - Apprenticeships support local employment and skills development.
Upskill your existing staff
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Use apprenticeships for upskilling - Existing employees can undertake apprenticeship standards to gain nationally recognised qualifications while working.
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Boost morale & engagement - Investing in staff development increases job satisfaction and performance.
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Flexible delivery - Off-the-job training, blended learning and workplace assessment fit around business needs.
Apprentice Case Studies
Read the reflections on gaining skills and real-world experience through the viewpoint of Blackburn College's apprentices.
Olivia Symons
Apprenticeship: Construction - Plumbing
Employer: Blackburn with Darwen Council
"An apprenticeship is really good, I couldn't recommend doing an apprenticeship enough, definitely do your college work that is the main thing because its just as important as what you're doing on site"
Will Boyer
Apprenticeship: Construction - Electrical
Employer: Paul Wilson Electrical & Renewable Solutions LTD
"I'd suggest to do an apprenticeship as you learn the trade hands-on. You come across real life situations and you get paid to learn. Once I qualify I hope to do my 2391 test and inspect and stay on in industry."
Dino Mazzifiore
Apprenticeship: Construction - Plumbing
Employer: Innovation NW
"I've developed a lot of skills, from trade skills to personal skills. From pipework to communicating with customers. I've gained more trust at work and I'm more confident completing all my jobs."
Abbie Reeve
Apprenticeship: Beauty Therapist
Employer: The Beauty Retreat
"Over time my confidence has grown. I would really reccomend it, I think you gain more experience really being hands on rather than just doing a course"
Learn more about apprenticeships
Employer Case Studies
Read the perspectives highlighting the practical value of apprenticeships in the workplace and decisions from our employers
Alan Price
Alan Price Automobile Services
Apprentice: Mia Wilson
"The apprentice we have at the moment is absolutely superb, she's keen to take on more difficult services we offer. There's a lot of talent out there now, the only way you're going to find it is by taking on an Apprentice."
Emily Seddon
The Beauty Retreat
Apprentice: Abby Reeve
"I chose to take on an apprentice rather than a qualifed therapist, I just wanted to give them experience in a supportive team, I think its very important to be hands on in this job and learning right from the word go. As your an apprentice it just fits into the salons values and how its run."
John Mares
Innovation NW
Apprentice: Dino Mazzifiore
"I was once an apprentice, and really enjoyed it. It set me up for a hands on role, owning my own business. Dino was a novice and I started him right at the beginning and I've seen him grow grow and grow."
Callum Hayes
The Ref Stop
Apprentice: Farren Keey-Stevens
"We wanted to invest in someone who could grow with the company. While experienced hires bring valuable skills, an apprentice offers fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn."
Apprentices can help your business grow
Apprenticeship funding - what’s available
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Government incentives & funding - There are grants, levy transfers, and co-investment schemes to reduce employer costs.
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Levy-paying employers - can transfer unused levy funds to support partner organisations.
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Small employers - often receive enhanced government support for apprenticeship training and assessment.
If you’re unsure which funding route fits your business, our team can guide you through the options and eligibility.
Apprenticeship Funding - 2025/26 Guidance & Financial Incentives
The funding and incentive landscape has recently been updated. Here’s a breakdown of how you - as an employer - can benefit under the 2025/26 rules.
How training and assessments are funded
| Employer Type | Employer Contribution | Government Covers |
| Non-levy paying employers (typically small/medium businesses) | Usually 5% of training & assessment costs | 95% up to the funding-band maximum |
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Non-levy employer hiring an apprentice aged 16–21 (or 22–24 with EHC plan / care-leaver status) - for starts from 1 August 2025 From Aug 26 - hiring an apprentice aged 16–24 |
0% (i.e. fully funded) | 100% of training & assessment costs |
| Levy-paying employers | Use funds from apprenticeship service account |
Once funds are used this with be 95% up to the funding-band maximum 75% of the apprenticeship fee from Aug 26 |
Training cost funding is capped per apprenticeship by a “funding band,” which for 2025/26 ranges broadly (from around £1,500 up to £27,000 depending on the standard).
Additionally, for apprentices aged 16 - 18 (or 19 - 24 with an EHC plan / care-leaver), the government fully covers training costs even for many non-levy employers. The recent budget (November 25) set by the government stated that this would soon include up to 24-year-old without EHC plans to support young people into work.
Extra payments & support
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£1,000 employer incentive payment: If you recruit an eligible young apprentice - either aged 16 - 18, or 19 - 25 with an EHC plan / care-leaver status - you receive £1,000, paid in two instalments.
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£3,000 employer grant: is your businesses based in Lancashire? If so, you may be eligible for a further grant through the Lancashire County Council if you recruit an eligible young apprentice. Apply Here
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CITB Grants: you may be eligible for a further grants if you are a CITB member and enrol an apprentice onto an eligible apprenticeship standard, more information here.
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English, maths (up to Level 2), learning support, and other additional support payments: These are fully funded by government (not charged to employer or levy account), where required.
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Savings on Employer National Insurance (NI) contributions: If hiring an apprentice under 25, many employers benefit from exemption or relief on employer NICs - reducing total cost of employment.
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Employ an apprentice with Blackburn College: once on programme you will be eligible for a 10% discount on commercial courses and access to events held within the ICZ.
Levy transfer / levy funds re-use
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If you are a levy-paying employer with unused levy funds, you can use those funds to pay for apprenticeships and training (including for existing staff). Government adds a 10% top-up (Stops Aug 26).
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Levy-paying employers can also transfer up to 50% of their apprenticeship funds to other businesses (e.g. partner employers, supply-chain SMEs, charities) - opening opportunities for smaller employers who struggle to afford training costs.
Ready to get started?
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Talk to our team - We’ll assess your staffing needs and advise on suitable apprenticeship standards.
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Plan a role - Define the job, training outcomes and on-the-job mentor.
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Check funding & grants - We’ll help you determine levy, co-investment, or incentive eligibility under 2025/26 rules.
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Recruit or upskill - Post the vacancy, shortlist candidates, and get training scheduled.
Contact Us
Blackburn College - Commercial and Business Development Team
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Phone: 01254 292500
