Feb 20, 2026
National Apprenticeship Week 2026 gave teams across the Apprentify Group the opportunity to step away from day-to-day delivery and spend focused time with clients, learners and partners across the country. The week highlighted the breadth of sectors we work in and the different ways apprenticeships are supporting both career development and business growth.
This year’s National Apprenticeship Week theme, Skills for Life, set the tone for the group’s celebrations as we championed the long-term value of learning, adaptability and personal growth. Throughout the week, our teams showcased how apprenticeships equip people with the practical capabilities, confidence and mindset needed to thrive in a changing world; skills that support not just career progression, but lifelong development.
Jonathan Fitchew, founder and group CEO of Apprentify Group, attended the FE Week & AELP Parliamentary Reception Apprenticeship & Training Awards at the House of Lords.
Apprentify Group had already been announced as a national finalist for Apprenticeship Provider of the Year in December and the event marked a formal moment of recognition among peers from across the further education and skills sector. It was also a timely reminder that the group’s commitment to developing skills for life sits at the centre of its work all year round.
For The Juice Academy, managing director SallyAnn Coleman attended events with McLaren Group at the McLaren Technology Centre and Catalyst Bicester. Representing The Juice Academy, she saw first-hand how a globally recognised automotive brand is also investing in creative and digital capability. The visit reinforced the alignment between McLaren’s focus on innovation and The Juice Academy’s mission to develop emerging digital talent.
SallyAnn also attended an event with JD Sports, representing Apprentify. Apprentify has partnered with JD Group since 2019 and the session brought together members of their apprenticeship team and employees exploring progression opportunities. Discussions centred on AI, technology, digital and creative pathways, with clear enthusiasm from individuals looking to take the next step in their development. The visit reflected the strength of a long-standing partnership built around internal progression and structured learning.
Client Growth Director Sophie Smith spent time with B&Q celebrating apprenticeships and launching our bespoke business programmes, including the stand-out Women in Leadership programme. Following a strong first year, attention has now turned to the 2026 cohorts and expanding access to leadership development for more women across the business. The visit also highlighted the growing scope of the Apprentify Group offer, with new programmes launching in collaboration with Ioda to support a wider range of skills and career pathways.
Ioda was also present, launching 4 bespoke B&Q programmes, with Managing Director Lisa Reynolds and Sally Brooks, Relationship and Design lead, supporting conversations around practical, human-centred leadership development. Using Colour Energies as a framework, the Ioda team helped attendees explore self-awareness, communication styles and how to flex their impact in different situations. The session created space for meaningful conversations about personal growth and navigating workplace challenges.
Across engineering, retail, digital and leadership development, a consistent theme emerged throughout the week: organisations that invest in structured learning create space for people to grow with confidence. Whether supporting early-career apprentices or experienced employees stepping into leadership roles, the impact of coaching and guided development was visible in every conversation.
National Apprenticeship Week 2026 served as a reminder that apprenticeships are not limited to entry-level routes. They are a practical, long-term approach to developing capability within organisations, with a national average of 70% of apprenticeships undertaken by existing employees. For the Apprentify Group, the week reinforced the importance of partnership, coaching and ambition in shaping the future workforce.