Home > Job News > Entry Level > NAW2020 Sees Thousands of New UK Apprenticeships Pledged < Job News and Info

Yesterday saw the curtain fall on National Apprenticeship Week 2020 (NAW2020). With one of the themes for this year’s apprenticeship showcase being Look Beyond, it looks like we can also Look Forward to many more apprenticeships in the UK this year, with top firms falling over themselves to announce new opportunities for apprentices.

Here are just a few of the encouraging stories we’ve spotted over the past seven days of NAW2020...

- Telecoms giant BT said it has taken on over 900 apprentices and graduates in the last year. Looking forward, the communications firm also said it will be looking for over 700 more to join its ranks this September

- German supermarket chain Aldi said it has 870 apprenticeships up for grabs - Scottish transport group Stagecoach said it was looking to fill 600 bus driver apprenticeships

- DIY firm B&Q said 600 young people should complete a range of 28 different types of apprenticeships with their company this year

- Train operating company Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) will offer 300 apprenticeships in more than a dozen different roles including business administration, driving, engineering, marketing and operations

- Railway operator Network Rail has over 200 apprenticeships available in overhead line work, signalling and track maintenance

- Public transport firm Go-Ahead Group announced 100 apprenticeships in customer service, engineering and other areas

- Hotel chain Hilton is on the hunt for 76 new apprentices

- Transport For London has 75 local government apprenticeships available

- Travel firm Tui is offering 60 new apprenticeships in the tourism sector

- High street retailer Marks & Spencer has 30 apprenticeships in buying, merchandising and retail management

- UK Power Networks said it hopes to fill 16 apprenticeships this year

- Frozen food chain Iceland announced 13 management apprenticeships

- Chocolate maker Cadbury has 11 apprenticeships in Reading and Bournville

That’s over 3,650 apprenticeships we saw announced over the course of National Apprenticeship Week 2020 alone!

So what were the key players saying about these thousands of apprenticeships? Hear it from the horse’s mouth with these words from the company’s apprentices, former apprentices and recruitment teams...

What They’ve Been Saying...

BT Apprenticeships

“BT is at the heart of the UK’s digital economy and as a leading employer of apprentices and graduates we offer unparalleled development opportunities. Our business attracts people from all walks of life, and we value the diverse perspectives they bring. We look forward to welcoming the 2020 newcomers.” - Alison Wilcox, Group HR Director, BT Group

“This is a brilliant achievement and I applaud the BT Group for their continued support and investment in apprenticeships. The digital economy is booming, and we need to make sure we can continue to build the skilled workforce to support it. Apprenticeships are a great way for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn the skills they need to go on to have successful careers. I look forward to hearing how the new recruits are getting on.” - Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson

Aldi Apprenticeships

“As well as on and off-the-job training, Aldi provides competitive salaries, health and wellbeing packages and one of the best working environments in the UK supermarket sector.” - Kelly Stokes, HR Director, Aldi

Stagecoach Apprenticeships

“I wanted a complete change of career and the bus driver apprenticeship programme with Stagecoach came up as an opportunity. I really enjoy being a bus driver and would recommend the apprenticeship and a bus driving career to anybody. One of the highlights of my day is seeing some of my regular passengers, including a lovely chap who brings me a newspaper every day.” - Caroline Crozier, Bus Driver Apprentice, Stagecoach

“We are proud to lead the bus and coach industry by investing in apprenticeships and creating 600 new learner opportunities in 2020. Apprenticeships bring huge value to our business in terms of talent and diversity. Whether you're a school leaver or somebody who wants a change of career, an apprenticeship programme is a great opportunity to earn while you learn and kick start your career in the transport industry.” - Martin Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer, Stagecoach

B&Q Apprenticeships

“Our colleagues are the beating heart of B&Q, and we‘re committed to their growth and development as part of our commitment to make B&Q a great place to work.” - Paul Crisp, Retail Director, B&Q

Govia Thameslink Railway Apprenticeships

“This is the type of independence the apprenticeship has given me. Everything I wanted to achieve at the end of my apprenticeship is on track to be a reality. I feel secure in the knowledge that I could quite easily have a job for life and am really proud to inspire other young women into the railway and particularly engineering. This is where I am supposed to be right now.” - Rosie-Jayne Wiles, Apprentice Electrical Engineer, Govia Thameslink Railway

“In January this year, a position for an Apprentice Station Manager came up and I instantly knew I wanted the job. I applied and fortunately got it. For me, my greatest achievement in the railway has been to get where I am now. Not only do I get to do what I love, but I will be rewarded with a qualification at the end of this.” - Ramla Abshir-Slevin, Apprentice Station Manager, Govia Thameslink Railway

“The demand for skilled staff in the rail industry has never been higher. I am so pleased that we are creating more new apprenticeship opportunities than ever before. We are developing the skills of those who are already working in rail but also giving life-changing career opportunities to people from all backgrounds. This is all part of diversifying our recruitment approach to give more people better access to jobs and a career in rail.” - Zoey Hudson, Head of Talent, Diversity and Inclusion, Govia Thameslink Railway

Network Rail Apprenticeships

“Alstom are proud to have been trusted by Network Rail to deliver planned improvements in their two biggest regions over the next four years. Inclusivity and diversity are at the heart of our plan, and we look forward to creating hundreds of new highly skilled jobs and up to 270 apprenticeships as we do so.” - Nick Crossfield, Managing Director, Alstom UK & Ireland

Go-Ahead Group Apprenticeships

“We understand the importance of recruiting talent from all walks of life. Many of our senior leaders started as apprentices.” - David Brown, Chief Executive Officer, Go-Ahead Group

Hilton Group Apprenticeships

“I joined the Hilton team as work experience and have since moved to a full-time role. I’m excited to join the apprenticeship scheme and further my training in a job I love. I really enjoy learning new things and love working in a fast-paced kitchen environment. My colleagues say my strengths are my sense of taste and seasoning, as well as timekeeping and attention to detail.” - Geor-Dan Dyer, Apprentice, Hilton Group

“With nearly 300 apprentices in our operations across the country I’m proud that we are helping to develop new Hilton talent through our hugely successful apprenticeship scheme. Our apprentices deliver exceptional experiences to guests every day and make a huge contribution to our business.” - Steve Cassidy, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Hilton Group

Transport for London (TfL) Apprenticeships

“I have always known I wanted to become a Chartered Engineer and this apprenticeship is the first step in this process. I've always enjoyed problem solving and being inventive. Being an engineer allows me to use these skills to help improve transport in London. I've only been in the role a few months, but I know I'm growing in confidence. I have already chaired team meetings and presented to my team.” - Bethany Cracknell, Civil Engineering Apprentice, TfL

“TfL is driven by a passionate and skilled workforce who continue to keep our city moving and evolving, making life better for millions of people every day. We're looking for inquisitive, enthusiastic individuals who reflect London's diversity to join our apprenticeship programme in a range of areas, such as engineering, signalling and project controls. You don't need to be an expert in transport already - as long as you want to learn new skills and make a positive impact on people's lives in London every day, you'll fit right in.” - Tricia Wright, Chief People Officer, TfL

UK Power Networks Apprenticeships

“Technology will move on in leaps and bounds over their careers and our apprentices can play a substantial role. This is an exciting time to join one of the best apprenticeships in the country. They will receive extensive training in the classroom, mentoring and coaching, on-the-job work supervision and skills for life which can open doors to a wide range of careers.” - Steven Read, Trainees Programme Manager, UK Power Networks

Cadbury Apprenticeships

“I started my career as an Apprentice in 2016, since then I have completed my level three apprenticeship and I have just started a sponsored four-year Level six degree apprenticeship, that will see me gain a BSc degree in Food Science and Technology.” - Ryan Hadley, Cadbury Research & Development Technician

Iceland Apprenticeships

“We expect a lot of our apprentices and they get a lot back with the progression opportunities being excellent.” - Jeff Uden, Head of Talent, Iceland

If you are a young person who doesn’t fancy the university route, then apprenticeships are a genuinely brilliant alternative. Find out everything you need to get started with our complete guide to UK Apprenticeships now!