National Apprenticeship Week 2026

This years theme ‘Skills for Life’ reflects what apprenticeships truly offer. Beyond technical knowledge, apprentices gain experience in team work, adaptability and professional responsibility, which are all skills that that will remain valuable throughout their careers. As an employer, offering apprenticeships helps nurture talent from within and helps create clear pathways for progression and development.

Apprenticeships are a key part of Powerday’s commitment to supporting staff learning and development, as set out in the Business Excellence pillar of our latest Sustainability Manifesto. They not only provide hands on experience alongside structured education, but undertaking these qualifications alongside working also encourages the development of important life skills such as problem solving, time management and communication.

We currently have 5 employees undertaking apprenticeships at Powerday – here is what some of them have to say about their experiences so far:

“I would recommend an apprenticeship. It’s a great way to gain hands on workplace experience while still learning, and you also get paid as you build your skills,” explains Katie Maloney, who is currently working towards her Level 3 Business Administration qualification. “It’s helped me gain real-world experience and develop valuable administrative skills, from sending emails and answering phone calls to using workplace systems correctly.”

Catriona McDermott, who is working towards her AAT Level 3 Assistant Accountant qualification, describes her apprenticeship as “a rewarding experience that pushed me to grow quickly, gain real-world skills, and become more confident in a professional environment. The apprenticeship has significantly increased my confidence in undertaking my role. I have developed a stronger understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of the job, which I now implement in my role on a daily basis. It’s a great way to gain hands-on workplace experience while still learning, and you also get paid as you build your skills.”

“I feel far more confident in my work” Says Niall Bones, who is currently studying his Level 7 ACCA Accountancy/Taxation Professional qualification. “A lot of the tasks I undertake in my role have been made much easier as they are underpinned by knowledge I have acquired as part of my apprenticeship. Overall, it has been challenging at times but ultimately rewarding. The apprenticeship has provided me with both professional skills and accounting knowledge that will help me to progress in my career as a finance professional.”

These experiences highlight the real and lasting value of apprenticeships for both individuals and organisations. By investing in apprenticeships, Powerday is not only supporting the development of technical expertise, but also helping to equip employees with the skills, confidence and adaptability they need to succeed throughout their careers. Apprenticeships play a vital role in building a skilled, motivated and resilient workforce and, as a company, we remain committed to expanding opportunities that enable our employees to learn, grow and progress.