As National Apprenticeship Week celebrates the impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy,  UVAC is proud to continue its commitment to apprenticeships, higher technical education, and the development of a skilled workforce ready for the future. 

This year, the week takes place against a changing policy backdrop. The Government’s Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper signals a recalibration of how higher technical education—including higher technical qualifications (HTQs) and apprenticeships—operates within a more devolved, employer-responsive skills system. For universities and higher education providers (HEPs), this means engaging more deeply at a regional level, aligning provision with local growth priorities, and partnering with employers to deliver tangible outcomes.

National Apprenticeship Week should be seen not only as a celebration of success, but as a moment to take stock of where higher technical education sits within a changing national and regional picture and how universities can continue to lead.

UVAC recently published an article from Sharon Walpole, UVAC Associate, looking at higher technical qualifications in a post-16 system under reform, and asked ‘What National Apprenticeship Week 2026 should prompt us to ask?’. Read the full article 

 Throughout the week the UVAC team will also be attending a number events including:

Monday 9 February 

Chief Executive, Dr Mandy Crawford-Lee, starts the week at an event hosted by Association of Apprentices at Stationers’ Hall, London. 

Mandy will then be hot footing it across the capital to celebrate with the national finalists for the Apprenticeship and Training Awards 2026 as they are formally recognised at a special parliamentary reception hosted by former Education Secretary Baroness Morgan. The awards acknowledge the outstanding commitment to apprenticeships, skills, and workforce development across the country, with the winners being announced at the Apprenticeships & Training Conference on Tuesday 3 March.

Tuesday 10 February 

UVAC hosts our first Innovation Exchange of 2026 at The Manufacturing Technology Centre, Coventry. The event brings together universities, employers, and key stakeholders, the event explores the theme: “Advancing equity, celebrating diversity: inclusive visions and innovative solutions” and the day’s agenda looks at  how to widen participation, build workforce capacity, and co-develop inclusive pathways that ‘unlock’ talent at all ages and levels.

Wednesday 11 February 

Mandy will be travelling to Norfolk for the Apprenticeship Norfolk Awards, celebrating the achievements of apprentices, mentors, and businesses across the county. UVAC is proud to support the awards, both as a sponsor as well as Mandy’s contribution as a member of the judging panel.