This National Apprenticeship Week 2026, ARE’s PR and Communications Apprentice reflects on his apprenticeship journey so far, focusing on this year’s theme, Skills for Life, and sharing advice for those considering apprenticeship routes or currently navigating one.
Estimated read time: 4 minutes
Apprenticeships are one of the most practical ways to build skills early and apply them straight into real working environments. You’re not just learning theory and hoping it comes in handy later; you’re using it in real situations, with real consequences. That’s a big reason why apprenticeships have continued to grow across the UK, as more people are seeing them as a credible route into employment that actually prepares you for working life.
The rate of apprenticeship growth has been notable in recent years
In the academic year 2024/25, there were 353,500 apprenticeship starts, which is an increase of 4.1% from the previous year. The participation rate also rose by 3.4% to 761,480, and the number of achievements increased by 11.3% to 198,330.
These figures indicate a positive trend in apprenticeship participation and achievement, reflecting the growing interest and investment in apprenticeship programmes across the UK.
For those who want experience, progression, and purpose without taking a traditional university route, apprenticeships offer a way to build long-term, transferable skills while learning on the job. With this year’s National Apprenticeship Week theme being Skills for Life, it feels like the right time to reflect on what apprenticeships can really offer, not just in the short term, but in shaping how you work and grow beyond the programme itself.
Now over a year into my PR and Communications apprenticeship, I’ve had the privilege to learn what good work really looks like, how to take feedback without taking it personally, and how to adapt when things don’t go to plan. That shift alone has changed how I approach my work day to day.
So, based on my journey so far, here are a few honest tips for anyone considering an apprenticeship, or already on one, who wants to make the most of the experience and build skills that genuinely stick.
1. Learn from the people around you
One of the biggest advantages of an apprenticeship is the people you’re surrounded by. You’re often working alongside experienced professionals who’ve already made the mistakes you’re trying to avoid. Pay attention to how they work, how they communicate, and how they make decisions.
Ask questions when something doesn’t make sense, and don’t underestimate what you can learn just by observing. A lot of learning happens informally, through conversations, meetings, and day-to-day problem solving. Over time, those small moments add up, and you’ll realise one skill often leads to another.
2. Don’t rush, but don’t coast either
There’s a balance to strike during an apprenticeship. Some days you’ll be focused on day-to-day work, other days you’ll need space to work on your portfolio or projects. Both matter. It’s okay not to understand everything straight away, but it’s important to give yourself the time to properly learn what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. Going too fast can mean missing key learning moments, but coasting won’t get you very far either. Finding that balance is part of the process.
3. Put your craft first
Your craft should always come first. There will be moments where things don’t click straight away, and that’s normal. That’s usually a sign there’s a gap in your knowledge, not a failure.
The key is recognising it and taking the initiative to fill it. Whether that’s asking questions, doing your own research, or offering to do something in order to practise a skill until it makes sense. When you focus on your craft, you’re not just completing tasks, you’re building a skillset and understanding what’s really expected of you.
4. Accept that learning doesn’t stop when the apprenticeship does
I’m at the tail end, but believe me, finishing an apprenticeship doesn’t mean learning stops; if anything, it’s where it really begins. An apprenticeship gives you a foundation, but there are always opportunities to grow, meet new people, and develop your skills further. If you start in PR and communications, that could lead to areas like digital marketing, content strategy, public affairs, brand communications, or campaign planning. The point is, your apprenticeship isn’t the end goal, it’s the starting point of a much longer journey. Being open to learning and adapting is what keeps that journey moving.
5. Lean into the hard parts
There will be challenges, that’s guaranteed. Balancing workloads, managing time, juggling priorities, or not understanding something straight away can all feel overwhelming at times. But those moments are where most of the learning happens. Persevering when things feel difficult builds resilience and confidence. Instead of avoiding the hard parts, lean into them. Making mistakes, asking for help, and trying again is how you grow.
Dear employers….
For employers, apprenticeships aren’t just about filling roles or ticking a box; they’re about building capability from the ground up. When apprentices are given real responsibility, space to learn, and the chance to develop properly, organisations benefit from people who understand the work, the culture, and the bigger picture.
Apprenticeships create talent that grows with the organisation. Instead of hiring skills in and hoping they stick, employers can develop people over time, shaping how they work, think, and adapt. That can lead to stronger teams, better retention, and staff who feel invested in what they do because they’ve grown into the role, not just landed in it.
They also open the door to a wider range of talent. By offering routes that don’t rely solely on university degrees, employers can reach people with different perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking, which ultimately strengthens decision-making and innovation.
When apprenticeships focus on long-term skills rather than short-term output, they stop being a training exercise and start becoming a strategic investment.
