National Apprenticeship Week: How we celebrated at GC

National Apprenticeship Week 2026 has now come to an end, and across the Growth Company, we spent the week celebrating the impact apprenticeships have on people, businesses, and communities.

This year, we shared stories from learners, employers and colleagues, alongside insights that shape future skills policy. Together, they showcased the many ways apprenticeships strengthen talent pipelines and support opportunity across our communities.

Here are just some of the ways we celebrated

Spotlighting our learners and employers

Across GC, we spotlighted the learners training with us at GC Education & Skills and the employers we support, showcasing the confidence, skills and career progression apprenticeships make possible, and the difference they make to businesses developing their workforce.

One of those learners was Gavin West, who started a level 4 apprenticeship later in his career, and has now stepped into a leadership role at Co‑op and uses his skills to support and mentor new apprentices.

We also heard directly from more of Co-op's apprentices in this video, highlighting the positive impact apprenticeships have on developing talent, supporting business growth and building a skilled workforce for the future.

Our teams also shone a spotlight on more employers who are using apprenticeships to build talent pipelines, strengthen retention and develop the skilled workforces they need for long‑term growth.

Through a hands‑on partnership with GC, Leonard Curtis and Regatta Group are developing confident, capable apprentices who are progressing into permanent roles and contributing across their organisations, while KANE's partnership with GM Business Growth Hub has brought new apprentices into its business and created real career opportunities for young people in Greater Manchester. 

Whether you’re an employer looking to recruit or upskill, or an individual exploring career pathways, apprenticeships offer valuable opportunities to learn, grow and succeed. To learn more about leveraging apprenticeships to grow and empower your workforce, visit our GC Education and Skills Employer website.

Showcasing our own colleagues

With 37 colleagues currently completing apprenticeships, the week was also a celebration of our own people:

• George Quiligotti, Marketing Manager for Centre for Assessment, shared how his level 3 Team Leader apprenticeship is supporting him to step confidently into his first leadership role, and how he is applying new skills directly in his day‑to‑day work. 
• Lauren Riding, Business Administration Apprentice at The Manufacturing Institute, reflected on how choosing a level 3 apprenticeship over university has given her real responsibility from day one, helping her build confidence, develop essential skills, and gain meaningful early‑career experience. 
• Rose Wallace, Consultant at GC Insight, highlighted how her Economics Degree Apprenticeship gave her early industry experience, practical skills she could apply immediately, and seven years of professional practice by the age of 24.

Many colleagues who have already completed apprenticeships also shared their thoughts on social media, including our Chief Technology Officer, Dominic Delsoldato, who said:

"26 years ago, I started my career as an IT apprentice. That opportunity shaped my career, my confidence, and my approach to learning. Apprenticeships are vital to our economy — they build real, job-ready skills, help close skills gaps, and allow businesses to grow talent from the ground up."

A moment for T Levels

On T Level Thursday, we highlighted the contribution of our first T Level cohort, who started their placements with GC towards the end of last year. Already, they’re having a huge positive impact across our organisation, and we’re proud to support them to gain real-world experience.

We caught up with Sheneya, who has joined us as a digital assistant as part of her Cybersecurity T Level, to find out how she’s finding her placement so far. She said:

"What makes the biggest difference is how the company makes me feel: supported, valued and confident in my abilities. This placement hasn’t just helped me grow my skills, it’s helped me grow as a person."

Visit our website to find out more about the benefits of hosting a T Level placement.

Insights from our leaders and experts

Throughout the week, leaders and experts from across GC also shared thoughtful reflections on the role apprenticeships play in shaping a stronger, fairer and more future‑ready skills system.

Dawn Duggan, Head of Programmes and Initiatives at GM Business Growth Hub, highlighted how apprenticeships have stood the test of time, evolving from medieval guilds to modern, multi‑sector pathways, and reminded us they remain a valuable route for people of all ages. She explains:

"Apprenticeships have stuck around because they work, it’s time they came back in fashion."

Our matrix Standard team shared insights on what high‑quality Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) looks like for apprenticeship providers, highlighting how learner‑centred support, skilled staff, and strong leadership are essential to helping apprentices make confident, informed decisions throughout their journey.

Looking to the future

Although National Apprenticeship Week has come to an end, our commitment to Skills for Life continues year‑round. Whether through apprenticeships, T Levels, or technical training, investing in skills unlocks productivity, sparks innovation and creates opportunities for people across our communities.

Across GC, we will continue working with employers, partners and communities to shape talent pipelines, strengthen our economy, and support the next generation of learners.

To learn more about leveraging apprenticeships to grow and empower your workforce, visit our GC Education and Skills Employer website.