National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2026 may have officially wrapped up, but the energy across the University of Liverpool remains high. From Monday, 9 to Sunday, 15 February, our community came together to celebrate professional growth, skill-sharing, and the transformative power of apprenticeships.
This year’s theme focused on empowering careers at all levels, and the engagement we saw from staff across the University truly highlighted the incredible talent within our ranks.
Connections made: Highlights from our virtual events
Our exclusive NAW sessions saw fantastic turnout, fostering both community and curiosity:
The Apprentice Exchange: On Tuesday, our current apprentices gathered for a vibrant peer-to-peer session. It was an inspiring hour of shared experiences, where apprentices from various departments discussed their journeys, navigated common challenges, and built lasting professional connections.
The Apprentice Exchange: Management Edition: On Wednesday, our management apprentices gathered for a collaborative exchange between the October and March cohorts. This collaborative session served as a bridge between the two groups, it provided a vital platform for apprentices from diverse departments to discuss their developmental journeys and address shared challenges. Beyond the practical insights, the event succeeded in building lasting professional networks across our emerging leadership community.
Spotlight on Apprenticeships: On Thursday, we welcomed a new wave of aspiring apprentices. This session opened doors for staff members looking to take their next professional leap, providing clarity on the vast range of opportunities available through the UoL levy.
Missed a session? If you couldn’t make it but are ready to take the next step, you can still find resources and guidance on LearnWell.
Inspiring the community: stories of impact
One of the week’s biggest highlights was the release of our updated Case Study Collection. These stories offer a real-world look at how apprenticeships balance academic learning with professional impact.
A special mention goes to our featured story from the 2025 Staff Awards “Apprentice of the Year” commended nominee. Their journey serves as a powerful reminder of how dedication and the right support can lead to excellence in action.
Read the full Case Studies
Listen to the Podcast: Our latest episode—discussing the university’s levy strategy and the realities of balancing work and study—is still available for streaming
Looking ahead: your career, your growth
NAW might be over for 2026, but the door to apprenticeship opportunities remains wide open. Whether you are a long-standing staff member or new to the team, remember that apprenticeships at UoL are a high-impact development option for everyone.
With flexible, blended learning—including remote workshops and one-on-one tutoring—you can continue to excel in your current role while gaining a formal qualification.
Thank you for participating
The Apprenticeship Team would like to thank everyone who attended events, shared their stories, and engaged with us throughout the week. You are what makes the UoL apprenticeship community so vibrant.
Ready to start your own journey? Explore the full range of possibilities on our website or reach out to us directly to discuss your specific career goals.
Contact us: apprenticeships@liverpool.ac.uk