Cheshire College – South & West is putting the region’s skills, talent and career opportunities front and centre as it joins colleges and training providers across the UK in celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2026.
Running from Monday 9 to Friday 13 February, the week forms part of a UK Government–led campaign highlighting how apprenticeships develop skilled, future-ready employees and drive local economic growth.
Throughout the week, the College will bring together students, apprentices, employers and members of the public to explore how apprenticeships translate learning into opportunity. Industry-led panels, a virtual conference, apprenticeship and jobs fairs, and an awards evening will highlight the pathways, skills, and sectors where apprenticeships are making a tangible impact.
Organised by the Cheshire and Warrington Pledge the College will host The Apprenticeship Careers and Jobs Fairs—open to the public from 4:30pm on Monday 9 February at Ellesmere Port and Wednesday 11 February at Crewe—will connect prospective apprentices with employers offering live vacancies and allow attendees to explore College facilities and speak directly with staff about available apprenticeship programmes.
Helen Nellist, Deputy Principal and Deputy CEO of Cheshire College commented:
“National Apprenticeship Week is about more than raising awareness, it’s about opportunity. By bringing employers, apprentices and students together, we’re helping our students understand where skills can take them and showcasing the real impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses and our region.”
A highlight of the week will be the Apprenticeship & Skills Awards, taking place on Thursday 12 February at Ellesmere Port Campus. Expanded for 2026, the awards will recognise both outstanding apprentices and the employers who support and invest in skills development. Categories span engineering, construction, health, business and more, reflecting the breadth of apprenticeship opportunities across the region.
Karen Roberts, Assistant Principal for Apprentices and Employer Engagement, said:
“The Apprenticeship & Skills Awards are particularly special this year. With the new format and expanded focus on skills, the event is bigger and more ambitious than ever, recognising both apprentices and the employers who support them.”
By bringing students and employers together, Cheshire College is turning National Apprenticeship Week into a platform for opportunity. From hands-on experience to real career pathways, the week showcases the apprentices shaping the region’s workforce — and the employers investing in their future.
For more information on apprenticeships at Cheshire College visit Apprenticeships – Cheshire College South & West.
