National Apprenticeship Week 2026: how to find hands-on apprenticeship roles near you - and apply successfully
Explore hands-on roles, meet employers, and discover opportunities to earn while you learn 🎓
- National Apprenticeship Week runs February 9–15, 2026 across the UK
- The week highlights the value of apprenticeships for practical, hands-on careers
- Opportunities span industries like engineering, construction, healthcare, and digital
- Events and activities connect people with employers and training providers
- Apprenticeships provide a way to earn, learn, and develop real-world skills
National Apprenticeship Week (February 9–15, 2026) is all about showing how apprenticeships work in the real world, not just as an alternative to university, but as a practical way to earn money, build skills and get a foot in the door of growing industries.
If you’re keen on hands-on work, whether that’s in engineering, construction, healthcare, digital, transport or skilled trades, this week is a good time to explore what’s available locally and how to apply.
Apprenticeships open throughout the year, but National Apprenticeship Week brings together extra support, events and advice that can make getting started easier.
Here’s where to look, both online and offline, and how to give yourself the best chance of landing a place.
Start online
The easiest place to begin is the official Government apprenticeship service. This is the main hub where employers advertise apprenticeship vacancies across England.
You can search by postcode or town, job role or industry, and apprenticeship level (from entry-level to degree apprenticeships).
Once you’ve set up an account, you can apply directly online and create job alerts so new opportunities near you land straight in your inbox. Many employers list roles here first, so checking it regularly is important.
Alongside this, there’s a browse tool that lets you explore apprenticeships by sector without applying straight away. This is useful if you’re still figuring out what kind of hands-on role suits you.
There are also third-party apprenticeship platforms that pull together listings, offer CV-building tools and help track applications.
These can be especially helpful if you’re applying for several roles at once or want guidance on how to present your skills and experience.
Look beyond job boards
Online searches are only half the picture, and many apprenticeship opportunities come from local connections and events, especially during National Apprenticeship Week.
Careers fairs and apprenticeship events
During this week, councils, colleges and local organisations often host free events where you can meet employers face to face, speak to current apprentices about what the job is really like, and get advice on applications and interviews.
Some employers use these events to promote roles before they’re advertised, so attending can give you a head start.
Colleges and training providers
Even if you don’t want to study full-time, local colleges are key players in apprenticeships.
They often work directly with employers and can explain which apprenticeships they deliver, help you apply, and flag upcoming vacancies that aren’t widely advertised yet. Open days and information sessions are common during National Apprenticeship Week.
Local councils and careers hubs
Many councils run apprenticeship support schemes, especially for young people or career changers. These can include one-to-one advice sessions, employer introductions and application support.
How to apply
Apprenticeships are competitive, especially popular hands-on roles, so preparation matters.
Get your CV ready, but bear in mind you don’t need years of experience. Employers are often looking for reliability and motivation, a willingness to learn, and relevant practical interests, like DIY, fixing things, volunteering, and other hobbies.
Tailor your CV to each role and clearly explain why you want that apprenticeship.
The National Careers Service also offers free guidance on choosing apprenticeship levels and sectors. This can help if you’re unsure whether to go for an entry-level role or something more advanced.
Remember that some apprenticeships close as soon as they get enough strong applications, and so applying early, and to more than one role, boosts your chances.
Are you job-hunting? To view thousands of roles available right now, visit the JobsToday website.