9–15 February is National Apprenticeship Week. On a recent visit to High Wycombe North Delivery Office, I met Royal Mail apprentice Umara and heard about her work with the Association of Apprentices and the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network.
Apprenticeships give young people the chance to earn while they learn and provide a proven route into good jobs. Yet too many still don’t know enough about the opportunities available. A new online platform will bring together information on pay, progression and outcomes, and new fast‑track apprenticeships will speed up the creation of high‑quality courses.
The government has already made progress, with 353,500 apprenticeship starts in its first year—13,920 more than in 2023/24. Major investment in transport, energy and housing infrastructure will help deliver a further 50,000 apprenticeships for young people.
Royal Mail HR apprentice Umara said:
Apprenticeships build more than careers; they build confidence, skills, and a sense of purpose through real experience. By combining hands‑on practice with supported development, apprenticeships don’t just prepare people for the world of work—they empower them to shape it.