.png)
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK 2026
- Sts Peter & Paul Catholic High School
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic High School is proud to be celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (9-15 February), as we shine a spotlight on the exciting and varied pathways apprenticeships can offer our students once they leave school.
DISCOVER opportunities from UK businesses and employers this national apprenticeship week
THE SOVINI GROUP
JAGUAR LAND ROVER
Jaguar Land Rover are hosting a webinar on:
Thursday 12th February
5.30pm – 6.30pm
Hosted by the JLR apprenticeship team and most importantly their current apprentices.
Offering unique insight into the application process and the experience of working for JLR. A hugely popular local employer with a fantastic early career offer. This is a great opportunity to get some top hints and tips that will help applicants be at their best through the process.
To register their interest young people, need to follow the link and register on the option on the right.
HSBC
UNILEVER APPRENTICESHIPS
Our students have already had the opportunity to hear from Bertie Bisgood, a BSc Digital and Technology Solutions Apprentice at Unilever, hearing first-hand about life at a global organisation and explored the exciting range of sponsored Level 3, Level 4 and Level 6 apprenticeship degrees available through Unilever and the different pathways students can take in securing training and achieving rewarding careers on research & development, finance, tech, marketing and many more...
HALTON APPRENTICESHIP TEAM
The Halton Apprenticeship team will also be joining us after the February half term break to speak with our Year 9 students ahead of their Key Stage 4 Options decision making later this year.
MEET OUR APPRENTICE
We’re also proud to support our very own apprentice, IT Technician Level3 Mr Gear, who we caught up with to find out more about his journey into an apprenticeship...
Location of study: Riverside College
"After completing college I worked part time at various workplaces, trying to discover what direction I really wanted to go with my career. Though I did not go with a career relevant to my college qualifications, I don't regret the experience I gained.
After finishing college I decided that a career in technology was far more appealing to me, I began to look at apprenticeships due to my lack of prior experience. An apprenticeship was a perfect way for me to build future skills for my career whilst also getting hands on work experience.
Before starting my apprenticeship I was always worried that I would need to "know it all", most of these worries came from not having much experience with IT. After starting I knew that this was never an issue and my lack of experience did not impact my ability to perform my role, apprenticeships are there in order to learn and not just to work with what you already know.
Working within the school I can honestly say that no two weeks are ever the same, but I can say that there is never a slow moment. A typical week would involve helping teachers and students with any technical issues they may have, ensuring that the issues are resolved as efficiently as possible. Other than solving technical issues my weeks also involve working alongside my manager towards projects that will benefit the schools technology further down the line.
My manager is always happy to help me with any issues I have and ensures that I am learning through what I do at work, with the optional hour a day that is dedicated to college within work time which is what every apprentice is entitled to. Riverside College provides a wide range of accessible resources available to me, with the option for one to one help should I struggle at any time.
Since starting, my skills when it comes to approaching technical challenges has dramatically improved, I went from only knowing basic troubleshooting to already understanding how a network functions. I would say that getting to deal with all of these issues day in day out has allowed my skills and knowledge to grow rapidly. Not only have I developed my technical skills since starting this role but my personal skills have also dramatically improved through dealing with staff day in day out, it has greatly improved my confidence in social settings.
I don't think I could honestly list a singular proud moment, each time I work an issue out for myself I feel a tremendous amount of achievement. When I look back on how much I knew when I started compared to now I would say that's what makes me proudest.
This apprenticeship has allowed me to explore a career in IT and technology in general, showing me all the opportunities that may come my way in the future. Thanks to this apprenticeship I am excited to begin a career in the digital industry.
I would say it is important to not be discouraged, many employers may not reply and those who do may not find you a suitable fit, it's important to understand that this is not the end of the world. With most apprenticeships the applications require a lot of written answers in good depth, it is important to ensure that you put as much effort into the application as you would in an interview."
ALUMNI APPRENTICES
Starting an apprenticeship is a fantastic option for those not looking to go down the more traditional pathways to further education.
Class of 2022 alumni Sam tells us about his Apprenticeship at Picow Engineering Group, the skills he’s developed, and how learning on the job has helped shape his career so far. Find out what you can do to prepare your placement applications once you leave school...
SUPPORT IN SCHOOL
Our Careers Education Information Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) team are always on hand to answer any questions you may have about your next steps.
National Apprenticeship Week is a great chance for students, parents, and staff to celebrate alternative pathways to success and see how apprenticeships can open doors to rewarding futures.
We encourage all students to explore what's on offer and consider an apprenticeship pathway as an option for your future!
Comments