Major Apprenticeship Reforms Announced for 2026: What Employers and Young People Need to Know

Houses of Parliament

The UK Government has announced a significant package of apprenticeship reforms and funding changes, marking one of the biggest shifts in skills and training policy in recent years. With a strong focus on young people, priority sectors, and economic growth, these updates will impact employers, training providers, and learners across the country. This article provides […]

The importance of upskilling your employees

Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner Level 4 Apprenticeship leading image of 3 men in smart wear

Organisations today operate in an environment shaped by rapid technological change, evolving industry standards, and shifting workforce expectations. In this context, developing internal talent is no longer optional; it has become essential. Upskilling employees is a powerful way to build organisational resilience and support long-term performance. Businesses that invest in their workforce are better equipped […]

International Women’s Day 2026: Apprenticeship Spotlight Series

Level 3 Community Activator Coach apprentice working with kids

International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate progress, visibility and possibility. Across industries where women have historically been underrepresented, apprenticeships are quietly and powerfully reshaping the narrative. This year, we’re proud to spotlight women across sport, education, business, leadership and live events who prove a simple truth: When we give women opportunities through apprenticeships, […]

How apprenticeships can contribute to the growth of your company

Level 4 Sports Coach apprentice at work

In today’s competitive business landscape, companies are constantly searching for sustainable ways to build skilled teams, improve productivity, and drive long-term growth. Yet many organisations overlook one of the most effective talent development strategies available: apprenticeships. Far from being just an entry-level training scheme, apprenticeships represent a strategic investment that can transform your business from […]

National Apprenticeship Week 2026: What to expect from Access Industry

Apprentices and employers at Access Industry apprenticeship event

It’s that time of year again! National Apprenticeship Week has arrived for 2026, and Access Industry is here to help apprentices, employers, teachers, students and parents make the right decisions for themselves and their futures. What is National Apprenticeship Week? Held annually in February, National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is a UK-wide celebration that was first […]

10 Reasons why 2026 is the best time to hire an apprentice

Apprentice venue technicians

The UK workforce is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in decades. Skills shortages, economic uncertainty, digital disruption, and changing workforce expectations have created a perfect storm for employers. Against this backdrop, 2026 stands out as the best time to hire an apprentice. Apprenticeships are no longer simply an alternative to university. They are […]

Meet the Apprentice Who Turned a Love of Performance into a Career Behind the Scenes

image of sound engineer at the theatre

Stepping into the world of live events doesn’t always start under the spotlight. For Theo Moore, it began with a curiosity about what happens backstage and led to a full-time career as a Production Technician at Bridlington Spa. After completing a week of work experience with the technical team at the venue, Theo discovered the […]

What is an apprenticeship? Here’s everything you need to know in 2026

Screen Lighting Technician mentoring apprentice

Apprenticeships are transforming how people learn and work, offering a real alternative to traditional classroom study, degrees, or training courses. Whether you’re finishing school, considering a career change, or seeking practical skills with pay, apprenticeships could be your launchpad. But what is an apprenticeship, exactly? And how does an apprenticeship work in today’s UK workplace? […]

12 Reasons you should apply for an apprenticeship in 2026

Creative Venue Technician apprentice

Choosing your next step after school, college, or even a career change can feel completely overwhelming. With rising university costs, competitive job markets, and shifting employer expectations, many people are turning to apprenticeships as a smarter, more secure route into rewarding careers. If you’re exploring your options for 2026, here are 12 powerful reasons why […]

What the 2025 Autumn Budget means for apprenticeships

Westminster and Big Ben

The 2025 Autumn Budget delivered one of the most significant updates to apprenticeship funding in recent years, particularly for SMEs who rely on apprenticeships to build skills, fill talent gaps, and strengthen long-term workforce capability. Whether you’re planning to recruit new apprentices this year or upskill your existing team, these changes can help reduce costs, […]

Meet the Apprentice Helping Bring Shows, Festivals and Live Events to Life

George Cheeseman, Creative Venue Technician

Meet George Cheeseman, our recent Creative Venue Technician apprentice. From discovering an unexpected career path at the end of college to gaining hands-on experience at major festivals and theatre productions, his story highlights how an apprenticeship can open doors to opportunities that classroom learning alone can’t provide. In this interview, George shares his experiences, challenges […]

How To Hire The Right Leader For Your Business

Hiring a strong leader is one of the most critical decisions you can make as an employer. The right team leader can galvanise your workforce, drive performance, and shape your company culture; the wrong one can undermine morale, slow progress, and destabilise teams. Whether you’re hiring a shift leader, a first-line manager, or are developing […]