Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2025
What is National Apprenticeship Week?
National Apprenticeship Week provides a platform for apprentices and organisations to showcase how apprenticeships can support individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
Dedicated weeks take place this year in Northern Ireland (3-7 February), England and Wales (10-16 February) and Scotland (3-7 March).
They provide an opportunity for individuals, employers, training providers and others to get involved by encouraging everyone to understand how apprenticeships can help to support the growth and development of individuals and businesses. There will be personal stories from apprentices and employers about their own experiences and journeys and why apprenticeships provide skills for life.
The role of apprenticeships in the seafood industry
There are labour shortages in many parts of the seafood industry. If you are struggling to recruit staff, then offering a suitable apprenticeship alongside the vacancy might tip the balance for you and attract more suitable applicants. Offering an apprenticeship to existing employees may help to retain valuable members of the team.
Having an apprentice on board can make a big difference to a business. It can help to motivate other members of staff to get involved in training or even to become an apprentice themselves.
He’s an absolute gem.
He can fillet fish and display the shellfish, and he’s got the confidence to open and close the shop when I’m not around; the customers love him, too.
Questions about apprenticeships
Some aspects of apprenticeships can be misunderstood so I have provided the answers to some common queries.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a funded structured development programme job that allows a person to benefit from formal training whilst working.
How long does it take to complete an apprenticeship?
This can depend upon the level of the apprenticeship. A typical operative/team leader apprenticeship will take between 12 to 18 months, whilst a supervisor/manager apprenticeship may last up to five years.
Who is responsible for delivering the apprenticeship?
The employer monitors the delivery of the apprenticeship programme by their apprenticeship provider. The apprenticeship provider is responsible for providing the training. The assessment of the apprentice’s skills and knowledge is a key part of any apprenticeship.
There are differences in the details of how apprenticeships are delivered across the UK. Your local apprenticeship provider can provide advice.
What age limits apply to apprenticeships in the UK?
There is no upper age limit although there may be limits on funding. Offering an apprenticeship to older workers may significantly improve employers’ success in retaining and recruiting staff.
How much are apprentices paid?
Employers are encouraged to pay more than the required minimum wage as apprentices should be seen as a valuable resource for the business and this can help with retention, staff loyalty and as encouragement for others to also take up apprenticeships when available.
How many hours a week does an apprentice work?
They usually work a minimum of 30 hours a week, but no more than 40 hours in a single week. Apprentices working part time will take longer to complete their apprenticeship programme.
Are apprentices entitled to holidays?
As apprentices are usually full-time employees of the business they have the same employment conditions as other employees.
Does an employer have to employ an apprentice when they have concluded their apprenticeship?
Apprentices may be employed on a fixed term contract lasting until the end of their apprenticeship. Most apprentices are recruited to fill a permanent job role and will stay with their employer long after completion of their programme.
Once an apprentice has completed their programme, they are likely to be a highly competent and valuable member of your workforce, and someone you would be well advised to retain.
Can an apprentice help my business?
The answer is a resounding yes. A well delivered apprenticeship programme will not only fill vacant job roles but will bring valuable skills and knowledge into the business.
Apprenticeships offer an employer the opportunity to make a real positive difference to their business and the lives of individuals. By recruiting an apprentice, you are giving a person a chance to develop their own skills and knowledge and to contribute to the success of your business.
You may also be embarking on your first experience of a formally structured development programme. This will see external training brought into the business as well as opportunities for you and your team to coach someone as they pass on your skills and understanding too.
Further information
For more information about apprenticeships, visit our Seafood business apprenticeships page.
Follow the links for more information about apprenticeships in your area of the UK: