17 January 2019
National Apprenticeship Week 2019
The 12th National Apprenticeship Week is just around the corner, running from 4th to 8th March 2019, and RateMyApprenticeship in collaboration with accounting firm Mazars are really excited to be involved in this year’s celebration.
But what is happening during National Apprenticeship Week 2019 (NAW 2019), and how can you get involved?
What is National Apprenticeship Week?
Now in its 12th year and co-ordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service, National Apprenticeship Week 2019 is a 5-day annual celebration of apprenticeships in England.
It brings together the whole apprenticeship community and helps young people consider apprenticeships as an option after school or college.
Throughout the week, a series of nationwide and local events will take place; last year there were over 500 to choose from! The event gets bigger each year as apprenticeships become an ever-increasing popular choice for young people.
This year’s theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2019, or #NAW2019, is ‘Blaze A Trail’, highlighting how viable apprenticeships are as an alternative to going to university.
Employers and apprentices from across the country will come together to encourage more young people to choose an apprenticeship, as well as educating new employers and the wider community on the benefits of apprenticeships.
Why is it important?
Apprenticeships are now considered an equal to university, with many successful careers born from those who started out as an apprentice.
From an Accounts, Tax or Audit apprenticeship at Mazars to a Data Science Degree Apprenticeship with the BBC, the number of opportunities is ever increasing.
Understanding the different types of apprenticeships can be confusing. Luckily, we’ve got information on the different types of apprenticeships to help you find out which type is best for you.
From Degree Apprenticeships to Traineeships, Advanced Apprenticeships to Higher, there are opportunities for anyone looking to jumpstart their career.
Highlighting this is a key objective of National Apprenticeship Week as the government is aiming to create many more apprenticeship opportunities available by 2020.
“The theme for this year: Blaze a Trail is at the heart of what apprenticeships are all about. I want the 12th annual National Apprenticeship Week to be the biggest and most successful, yet.”
Keith Smith, director, Education and Skills Funding Agency
How RateMyApprenticeship and Mazars are getting involved in #NAW2019
#NAW2019 is set to be the biggest celebration of apprenticeships yet.
RateMyApprenticeship and global audit, accounting and consulting group, Mazars, are hugely passionate about apprenticeships. Introducing young, enthusiastic and talented individuals into a business has huge benefits for both the employer and the young person.
From injecting fresh ideas into a brand, improving productivity across all levels, introducing diversity into every area and reducing certain skill shortages, apprenticeships can transform how a business works.
Furthermore, an apprenticeship lets an apprentice flourish in a professional environment – RateMyApprenticeship found that a whopping 98% of students would recommend their apprenticeship to a friend!
To search for other events, talks and fairs local to you, be sure to take a look at the official National Apprenticeship Week Events Map.
Amy Reynolds, Tax Partner with Mazars, shares her journey from apprentice to partner…
What motivates you and what values guide you?
Some people will think I am very odd at this point, but I have known what I wanted to do and where I wanted to get to since I was at primary school – and that was to be a partner in an accountancy practice (I believe in dreaming big!)
Having this goal has motivated me all the way through my career and has kept me going whenever I have had bad days. Having that ultimate aim has always helped me to set out the stepping stones along the way.
I believe that you have to push for what you want to achieve, but along the way you need to take time for helping others (as it will be repaid).
What has been the most defining point in your career to date?
Making partner – and being the youngest partner at Mazars at the time at age 33. Unfortunately the day after was a bit of a slump of “What now?!”
What does leadership mean to you? And what makes you a good leader?
To me, leadership is all about being someone that people look up to – a positive role model. I like to lead by example and to give back to my team, in terms of time, opportunities, coaching and recognition. But in return I expect all of my team to be giving 100% back and to support me.
What advice would you give to other women for advancing in their careers?
Aim high! There is nothing wrong with aiming to be at the top of the organisation when you are just starting, as long as you can break it down into smaller steps along the way. It’s always a big tick in the box for me when I interview a new trainee and they can see beyond just qualifying.
However, career progression has to come from the person, it’s never going to be handed to you on a plate – you have to be doing the right things and asking for it.
I find it frustrating when someone complains that they haven’t been promoted, yet they haven’t completed their objectives or shown any passion and enthusiasm about going over and above.
You should also remember that everybody’s career path is different and there is no right way to go about it.
I never went to university, I went in to my career back to front compared to most people, going from industry to practice and not starting in compliance and yet it never held me back.
Our Top Tips for National Apprenticeship Week 2019
Read our top tips to ensure you make the most out of National Apprenticeship Week this year. Whether you’re a student, teacher, careers advisor or parent, we’ve got you covered!
Top Tips for Students
- Register with RateMyApprenticeship to be the first to know about job opportunities and #NAW2019 events
- Read through our Industry Guides and Career Options to find out more about the different types of apprenticeships
- Take a look at our Highest Paid Apprenticeships and Best Apprenticeships in the UK pages for up-to-date information about job salaries and regional opportunities
- See if your school has one of our guidebooks, entitled “A Guide To Career Options 2019,” where you can find out more about apprenticeships. If not, download our digital version of the guide.
Top Tips for Teachers and Career Advisors
- Visit our Advice section to download resources for your students, including posters for the classroom
- Schools, teachers and careers advisors, sign up to our school’s newsletter
Top Tips for Parents
- Familiarise yourself with all the options available to your child after school or college. Our Career Advice section is packed with up to date information on the different apprenticeships and other options available to young people today.
- Encourage your child to sign up to RateMyApprenticeship to keep up to date with the latest opportunities and career advice.
