National Apprenticeship Week 2021

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW 2021) is like Glastonbury, but for apprenticeships. Think of it like the Chelsea Flower Show, but celebrating the work of apprentices, not landscape gardeners.

It takes place between the 8th and 14th of February 2021. And this year, RateMyApprenticeship has partnered with Mazars.

Here is everything you need to know about National Apprenticeship Week 2021…

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What is National Apprenticeship Week?

National Apprenticeship Week is a week-long celebration of apprenticeships in England. It’s organised by the National Apprenticeship Service, and this will be its 14th year.

NAW brings together all characters from within the apprenticeship community – employers, training providers, apprentices and young people who are thinking of taking the apprenticeship path.

Last year saw over 900 events occur during NAW. Although things may be different this year, NAW 2021 is still set to be a huge celebration of apprentices and in particular, how they have helped businesses adapt and build during a different year.

Build the Future

‘Build the Future’ has been announced as the theme for NAW 2021.

The National Apprenticeship Service says ‘Build the Future’ aims to ‘encourage everyone to consider how apprenticeships help individuals to build the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career.’

With the last year forcing us to rely on technology and the digital world more than ever, the emergence of more roles for apprentices in digital, data and other innovative disciplines has grown.

There are a crazy-number of careers available through apprenticeships. So explore and see what’s out there!

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Why is NAW so important?

Apprenticeships are now considered to be an equal and real alternative to going to university.

In the past, they were seen as routes into trade industries – perfect for young people looking to become electricians or plumbers. Apprenticeships were for those who were not very academic. That was the perception.

Now, the reality is different. Apprenticeships are a logical route for high achievers that want to start a career immediately after leaving school or college. There are also opportunities offered by all of the big companies, across every sector.

And each year, the number and range of apprenticeships on offer increases. That is why NAW is so important… to highlight the amazing stories of former and current apprentices, and inspire others to kick-start their own career.

“Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to learn while you earn, opening up new and exciting career paths that can transform lives. It’s been a tough year for everyone, but we want the theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2021 to be a springboard to look ahead to how apprenticeships can future-proof workforces and boost careers”

Gillian Keegan

Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills

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How RateMyApprenticeship and Mazars are getting involved in #NAW2021

RateMyApprenticeship and global audit, accounting and consulting group, Mazars, are really passionate about apprenticeships. We just love them.

Bringing young, enthusiastic and talented individuals into a business has huge benefits for all involved. Apprentices inject fresh ideas and impetus into a brand, fill skills gaps and overall transform how a business works.

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Yasmin Mohamud, Insolvency Administrator at Mazars, shares her experience of joining Mazars straight after school…

Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?

I joined Mazars a few months after I finished my A-Levels in the summer of 2018.

I had originally applied to university to study Biology after gaining my A-Level qualifications in Biology, Maths and Economics. But shortly after receiving an acceptance offer to study Biology at university, I realised this might not be the path I wanted to take.

Despite all my peers heading straight to university, I felt going into the workplace was the right route for me.

Together with my mum, we weighed up the different career path options outside of going to uni balanced with the pros and cons of getting a degree, unsurprisingly high tuition costs was the top of the cons list!

Although she was a bit hesitant at first – I managed to win her over. She also made me promise that I would go to university if I didn’t find anything in a year!

Why Mazars?

When I began applying for work, finding a company that supported my aspirations for gaining more academic qualifications was very important to me.

Through my research, I found that Mazars ticked all the boxes: it had an apprenticeship programme that supported school leavers in gaining qualifications and supporting their development goals.

This, along with Mazars’ aim to increase diversity, was one of the main reasons that attracted me to apply. I’ve now been working at Mazars for over a year now, and have started my AAT’s.

I couldn’t be more excited!

What advice would you give to those not sure about going down the university route?

• Do your homework! When trying to find the right company for me, I did extensive research. I went to jobs fairs, did extensive online research including jobs board and company careers websites and frequently checked employment websites. Always remember, just because your ideal job wasn’t advertised yesterday, doesn’t mean it isn’t advertised today!
• Once you find the right company for you, always be open to learning to new things, and if you are not sure about something – just ask! It’s the best way to learn.
• Try not to be too hard on yourself and make sure to enjoy the experience, and remember, everyone starts somewhere
• And finally, follow your instincts, I haven’t looked back!

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Our Tips for NAW 2021

We’ve put together these tips and tricks to make sure you get the most out of NAW 2021. It doesn’t matter if you’re a student, a teacher, a careers advisor, a parent or a shetland pony, we’ve got you covered.

• Sign up to RateMyApprenticeship below to be the first to know about school and college leaver jobs and to keep up with all #NAW2021 activity
• Have a read of our Highest Paid Apprenticeships and Best Apprenticeships in the UK pages. They’re packed like an over-filled steak bake with useful info.

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