DCG champions apprenticeships for National Apprenticeship Week – 9th-13th February

Derby College Group is marking National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (9–15 February) with a packed programme of events, employer engagement and student celebrations, aligning directly with new government reforms designed to fast-track apprenticeships and strengthen Britain’s key growth sectors.

The announcement from the Department for Education signals a major shift in how apprenticeships will respond to national skills shortages, particularly in engineering, construction, digital, manufacturing and green technologies. The reforms reinforce the importance of work already taking place across the region to prepare learners for high-value, future-focused careers.

A week showcasing skills for life
Throughout National Apprenticeship Week 2026, Derby College Group will shine a spotlight on how apprenticeships build real skills, unlock opportunity and support economic growth:

• Monday, Apprenticeship Recruitment & Careers Pop-Up events launch the week, alongside student project showcases
• Tuesday, Employer insight events give students direct access to industry experts and career pathways
• Wednesday, Apprentice-focused activities, including degree apprenticeship fairs
• Thursday, T Level Thursday and The Roundhouse Open Evening, open to students, parents and the public
• Friday, A celebration of apprentice talent, achievement and success

The programme reflects Derby College Group’s long-standing commitment to employer-led education and its role in delivering skills that meet both regional and national priorities.

As part of the week, Derby College Group will host a Women in Engineering event on Tuesday 11th February 2026, bringing together students, professionals and employers for a day of inspiring talks, networking opportunities and career insight. The event aims to encourage more women to pursue engineering careers at a time when demand for technical skills is accelerating.

• More details can be found by clicking here.

On Thursday 12th February, 5:00–7:00 pm, Derby College Group will welcome prospective students and employers to The Roundhouse Open Evening, with a strong focus on apprenticeships and full-time pathways.

Visitors can explore opportunities across a wide range of subjects, including engineering, construction, automotive, health, business, digital, hospitality, hair and beauty, education, leadership and T Levels. Employers will be on hand to offer advice and guidance, alongside an apprenticeship talk and a 20-minute presentation at 5:45 pm.

Confirmed employer partners include Alstom, Nestlé, East Midlands Railway, Derby City Council, Vaillant Group UK, and many more.

Pre-registration is required.

• More details can be found by clicking here.

Skills for the future economy
Derby College Group is also a delivery partner in the East Midlands Institute of Technology, working alongside the University of Derby and regional partners to deliver higher-level technical education.

The Institute focuses on apprenticeships, T Levels and HNCs aligned to engineering, digital, professional construction, future energy and the green economy, directly supporting the government’s ambition to accelerate skills in growth sectors.

Apprentice case studies highlight the real impact of earning while learning and the long-term career opportunities apprenticeships can provide, as follows:

Former apprentice Faiza Saghir said: “My apprenticeship gave me confidence, real industry experience and a clear career path. You’re earning, learning and building skills that employers genuinely value, it’s opened doors I never thought possible.”

Engineering apprentice Jensen Stanley added: “The hands-on experience and support from both my employer and Derby College Group helped me progress faster than I expected. Apprenticeships prepare you for real jobs, not just exams.”

Meeting the moment
With apprenticeship reform accelerating nationally, apprenticeships are central to economic growth, social mobility and the transition to a greener, more skilled workforce.

During National Apprenticeship Week 2026, the College is inviting students, parents, employers and the wider community to discover how apprenticeships can shape futures and power the next generation of talent across Derby and beyond.