National Apprenticeship Week 2026

It’s National Apprenticeship Week, and to celebrate we’ll be sharing insights from five of our newest recruits.

If you’re a parent, student, or young adult considering an apprenticeship, read the interviews below as we ask Charlie, Cole, Mason, Jack and Billy three key questions:

1 - Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
2 - What advice would you give to someone considering an engineering apprenticeship?
3 - Did you have any preconceptions about apprenticeships or working in engineering — and were they accurate?

We hope their experiences help shed light on the opportunities apprenticeships can offer.  Interview by Heather Butters below:...

Q1: Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?

Charlie: I mainly chose an apprenticeship as growing up I had always been interested in working on projects, and as I progressed in school an option to take engineering came up. After picking it, I realised that was what I wanted to do as a career. With mechanical engineering an apprenticeship is a brilliant way to learn all the knowledge and skills required, from people with years of experience. Along with learning in college, an apprenticeship creates a strong foundation for a future in engineering.

Cole: I chose to do an apprenticeship because it would let me learn in a hands-on practical way whilst also gaining real work experience that I wouldn't be getting anywhere else. I also liked the idea of earning while learning and applying what I've learnt straight away in a real-world environment. Apprenticeships also provide a clear pathway into a career with experience and qualifications that employers value, which is one of the main reasons why I chose to do an apprenticeship.

Mason: An apprenticeship is a great way to start off your career, and a great life experience to know what working life is like. It provides learning experiences and develops your social skills too, working with plentiful people which have the knowledge and capabilities to help you thrive in anything you chose to do in your apprenticeship.

Jack: I chose to do an apprenticeship as it gave me the opportunity to get paid while still gaining a qualification. The pay also definitely helps to provide motivation to get college work done. I also wanted to be in the workplace as soon as possible to get the most hands-on experience.

Billy: I chose to do an apprenticeship because it opened a new variety of opportunities for me. It also meant I could gain work experience within an engineering company.

Q2: What advice would you give someone looking at doing an engineering apprenticeship?

Charlie: Firstly, make sure you know what it entails. If you’re coming straight from school or college, there are no more summer holidays — you’re working now. I think an engineering apprenticeship is the best way to get into mechanical engineering, with hands-on exposure to real work. So, if you’re considering it and you’re not scared to get your hands dirty, go for it.

Cole: I would advise them to research different types of engineering apprenticeships available and choose one that sticks out to them the most and one that they'll enjoy the most. They should be prepared to manage their time well with work and college studies to ensure that they aren't falling behind. I would also advise them to ask lots of questions about the work they're doing and to learn from the mistakes that they will make.

Mason: As you would imagine it is hands on and getting stuck into the work, but there is also a knowledge side to it too. Working in college and understanding what and why you learn and are tested in is just as important. My advice would be to ENJOY your time and if it is something you are passionate about, the most important thing is to be happy throughout your engineering apprenticeship.

Jack: Make sure that before deciding where you would like to do your apprenticeship, you try to get some work experience to get a feeling for the role and the company you would like to work for. You also need to make sure that during your apprenticeship you keep on top of any college work as this is just as important as the practical side of things.

Billy: Don’t sit around and wait for an opportunity to appear, look around your local area and try to get in and talk to people in the companies you would be interested in working for.

Q3: Did you have any pre-conceptions of apprenticeships or working in engineering, and if so, were they correct? (optional)

Mason: Yes! Everyone including me had a rough idea of the importance of this decision but I can personally say it was the best decision I have made so far!

Billy: The main pre-conception was that as an apprentice I would’ve been viewed as someone who couldn’t do anything and get stuck doing odd jobs and cleaning up. However, I couldn’t have been more wrong! Everyone has been very welcoming and eager to show me new processes and teach me anything I’d like to learn.

Thank you to all 5 of our young engineers. Your insights will hopefully go a long way to help school leavers, parents and education providers make more informed decisions and help with any pre-conceptions about Engineering and Apprenticeships.

Pictured (left to right): Jack Chambers, William (Billy) Auckland, Mason Powell, Charlie Hall and Cole Green-Rowland.

For more information on National Apprenticeship Week 2026 talk to BGB