National Apprenticeship Week 2023

Every year we look forward to National Apprenticeship Week as it gives us an opportunity to bring our apprentices, employers and staff together to highlight the significant impact Apprenticeships make to our learners, businesses, our communities and the wider economy.

This year’s theme is deservingly ‘skills for life’ and is something which we feel strongly about at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group. Through our Apprenticeship schemes and wider curriculum, our aim is to offer the right skills for now and the future, ensuring that our learners have the valuable, transferable skills sought by employers – ultimately enabling them to move into meaningful careers.

There’s lots to shout about this National Apprenticeship Week, with a range of activities going on across our three campuses to raise awareness of Apprenticeships and how they can transform lives. We will also be taking part in a number of Apprenticeship fairs across the region where we look forward to engaging with prospective apprentices, schools and businesses.

We’re also looking forward to celebrating the success of both our existing and former apprentices and the businesses who contribute to the success of our Apprenticeship scheme at our Annual Apprenticeship Awards, which will take place on Thursday 9th February.

You can find out more about the week's activities below. I hope you all have a great National Apprenticeships Week!

Sam Wright

Principal and Chief Executive

Heart of Yorkshire Education Group

Monday 6th February: Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair

On Monday 6th February, the Apprenticeships team were at Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, from 2pm-8pm.

This kick-started a range of exciting activities being held during National Apprenticeship Week 2023.

Former Apprentice Appears on Top Gear

From an Apprenticeship to the racetrack – former Engineering Apprentice Oliver Hall wows Top Gear viewers with his skills.

Oliver took part in Top Gear’s latest challenge which saw host Paddy McGuiness train a team of young amateur racers up to professional motorsport standard in two months.

"I saw on Facebook that Top Gear were looking for 17-20 year olds with a passion for motorsport to film a segment on the show. We had a number of meetings before I was invited along with 13 others for a test day to see what our driving capabilities were like. Luckily, I was chosen to take part in the episode, which was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m so appreciative to the team at Top Gear and everyone that made it possible and supported me," said Ollie.

Read the full article, here.

Wednesday 8th February: Skills for Life Apprenticeship Fair

On Wednesday 8th February, the team are at the Skills for Life Apprenticeship Fair at York Racecourse. This will see employers and Apprenticeship providers from a wide range of sectors gather from across the region under one roof to discuss their Apprenticeship opportunities with attendees.

The Skills for Life Apprenticeship Fair will run from 1pm to 6pm. Attendees are welcome to drop in at any time throughout the day to browse the employer stalls. Find more information and book your place at: bit.ly/AppFair23.

Thursday 9th February: Apprenticeship Awards

Our Apprenticeship Awards Ceremony will take place on Thursday 9th February at Darrington Golf Club, in Pontefract.

Along with the finalists, sponsors and distinguished guests, the evening will celebrate and acknowledge apprentices’ exceptional contributions to their workplace, as well as highlight employers’ commitments to Apprenticeship programmes.

The categories for this year’s awards are:

• Health & Education Apprentice of the Year 2023 (Sponsored by Collaborative Apprenticeship Programme)
• Small Employer of the Year 2023 (Sponsored by Wakefield First)
• Heart of Yorkshire Education Group Apprentice of the Year 2023 (sponsored by Heart of Yorkshire Education Group)

• Automotive and Engineering Apprentice of the Year (Sponsored by TIP - Leeds & Knottingley sites)
• Professional Apprentice of the Year 2023 (Sponsored by Business Scale Up Programme)
• New Employer of the Year 2023 (Sponsored by Sigma)
• Construction Apprentice of the Year 2023 (Sponsored by Skills Connect)
• Large Employer Apprentice of the Year 2023 (Sponsored by Wakefield First)

• Business & Enterprise Apprentice of the Year (Sponsored by Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation)

The winners will be revealed on our website and across our social media channels on Friday 10th February.