National Apprenticeship Week 2026 events being hosted by Northumberland County Council
As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2026, Northumberland County Council is celebrating the impact apprenticeships have on people, communities and local employers and it will host two events designed to help residents explore apprenticeship opportunities.
This year’s Skills for Life theme highlights how apprenticeships provide long-term benefits – supporting young people starting their careers, adults looking to upskill or retrain, and employers working to address skills gaps and build a resilient workforce.
Northumberland County Council currently supports almost 400 apprentices working across a wide range of services, from social care and data roles to civil engineering and electrical services.
Apprenticeships continue to play a vital role in developing talent across the organisation and the county.
The events taking place are ‘Apprenticeship Connect’ on Saturday, February 7 from 10am to 1pm at County Hall in Morpeth and ‘Work Smart Live Well’ sessions at 9.30am and 1pm on Tuesday, February 10 at Cramlington Hub.
They will provide opportunities to learn about apprenticeship routes and entry requirements, and get advice about applying for vacancies, supported internships and other study programmes, among other things.
Coun Guy Renner-Thompson, the council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: “I would encourage anyone thinking about their next step, whether they are starting out or considering a career change, to attend one of our events and find out what apprenticeships can offer.”
The Apprenticeship Connect event will be attended by Northumberland County Council’s Apprenticeships Team and Northumberland Skills, offering expert advice and one to one conversation for anyone interested in apprenticeships or those with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) – including learning pathways for 16-24-year-olds and supported internships with employers.