Year on year, Apprenticeship Week is becoming a bigger and bigger event, and this year was no exception. Taking place between 10th – 14th February, the week is an occasion for businesses, educators and training providers to showcase and celebrate their apprenticeship provision. It’s also a great opportunity to debate and develop apprenticeship schemes, ensuring they meet the requirements of businesses now and in the future.
Our LSIP Director, Joanne Giles, had a very full schedule attending meetings, events and panel discussions throughout the week. Jo and LSIP Executive Director Andy Sparks oversea the Local Skills Improvement Plan for Essex, ensuring businesses’ needs are met. They work tirelessly to provide an employer voice and perspective on the skills gaps in the county.
Let’s look at all the engagements Jo attended in Apprenticeship Week.
Kicking off the week, Jo attended the Essex Education Task Force, an independent body established by Essex County Council in 2021. The Task Force focuses on promoting innovation and best practice across the county’s education system.
Speaking after the meeting Jo commented: “It is great to be a part of the Task Force and seek solutions that better prepare students for the world of work.”
On Tuesday, she participated in a meeting of Essex Local Skills Accountability Board, overseen by CIMSPA (The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport & Physical Activity). These boards aim to align regional skills supply with employer demand, particularly in the sports and physical activity sector.
Jo shared her thoughts on the meeting, saying: “With great enthusiasm Apprenticeship opportunities were discussed at this meeting and how employers can be better prepared to support Apprentices coming into their workforce.
“Some great examples of best practice were shared. Thank you to CIMPSA, Active Essex, and Essex FA for driving this initiative forward in the county.”
Thursday saw Jo travelling to Derby for the launch of Remit Training’s largest Automotive Academy. As an invited guest, she attended the ribbon cutting ceremony led by Baggy Shanker Labour MP for Derby South, himself a former apprentice. Jo also had the opportunity to explore the state-of-the-art facilities designed to bridge the skills gap and equip apprentices with world-class automative training.
The launch event was also an opportunity for insightful discussions and industry growth, technological advancements, and the crucial role apprenticeships play in shaping the future.
Jo commented on the event: “Many thanks to the REMIT team for inviting me to their academy launch. The event showcased the best of the sector and how this provision is fundamental to the growth of the economy. It was also great to bump into colleagues old and new.”
To finish the week, Jo was in London representing the Essex LSIP on a panel discussion organised by the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. The two-hour debate was rich with insights around how prepared we are as a workforce digitally and how apprenticeships can be a part of the solution.
The topics discussed included: employability, adaptability, productivity, innovation, personal growth, and economic growth. The panel explored the importance of having a diverse skill set in a competitive job market, how learning new skills can help individuals stay relevant and succeed, and how skills development can boost confidence and self-esteem.
Jo was one of only two LSIP representatives – out of thirty eight nationwide – invited to participate and the sole representative from a Chamber of Commerce. It is incredibly rewarding that the hard work and dedication of the Essex LSIP is being recognised on this level.
The event was live streamed but can be viewed here.
Jo commented on the event saying: “I was delighted to be part of the BCS’s Digital Skills Network event in London. It was great to participate on the panel discussion and represent the skills concerns of local businesses.”
It was a packed week of events but there were also sweeping reforms announced during this year’s National Apprenticeship Week. The reforms include flexibility for employers around English and Maths requirements along with a cut in the minimum duration of apprenticeships from twelve to eight months. Many of these reforms have been well received by employers and providers.
The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said: “Apprenticeships are key to delivering our number one mission of growth and on the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, as evidenced by their increasing value to the economy which will continue to rise thanks to our reforms.
“As another National Apprenticeship Week draws to a close, it’s vital therefore that schools, colleges, and businesses continue to champion apprenticeships, and this government will back them all the way.”
Reflecting on a successful Apprenticeship Week Jo said: “What an incredible week #NAW2025 was. Many thanks for all the invites, it was great to see so much work taking place across the county in support of Apprenticeships.”
Apprenticeship Week once again reinforced the importance of investing in skills and training. As businesses and educators continue to collaborate, initiatives like LSIP play a crucial role in shaping a workforce fit for the future.
