22
Feb 2026
15th Feb 2026
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2026, took place from 9–15 February, marking the 19th annual UK celebration of apprenticeships and arrived at a pivotal moment for British industry. Under this year’s theme, “Skills for Life,” the week brings together employers, training providers and apprentices to demonstrate how structured workplace learning is equipping individuals with transferable skills while helping businesses close critical skills gaps.
For Birmingham-based precision engineering specialist Rowan Precision, the message resonates strongly. CFO Glenn Aston said National Apprenticeship Week offers an important platform to champion the contribution of young engineers and reaffirm the company’s long-term commitment to developing technical talent.
“Apprenticeships give young people real experience, real responsibility and a genuine pathway into highly skilled careers,” he said. “At Rowan Precision, we see first-hand how apprentices develop not only technical capability in CNC machining, quality and metrology, but also the problem-solving mindset and professionalism our sector demands. That’s what ‘Skills for Life’ really means.”
Rowan Precision’s structured apprenticeship programme provides rotational exposure across machining, inspection, assembly and quality assurance, ensuring participants gain a broad understanding of high-specification manufacturing environments. The company views apprenticeships as a strategic investment rather than a short-term recruitment solution — embedding workforce development into long-term business planning.
Nationally, the government has used #NAW2026to signal significant reforms designed to strengthen the apprenticeship pathway. In a joint announcement from the Department for Work and Pensions and the Prime Minister’s Office, new pilots will introduce a university-style clearing system to match “near miss” applicants with similar apprenticeship opportunities in their local area. A new online platform will also centralise information on apprenticeships, including earnings data and progression outcomes, making it easier for young people to compare options.
The reforms are backed by the Growth and Skills Levy and form part of an ambition to deliver 50,000 more apprenticeships for young people, alongside fast-tracking new standards in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy and digital technology.
In the West Midlands, Mayor Richard Parker reinforced the regional importance of reform. “Apprenticeships change lives,” he said. “They give young people a route into good jobs and real skills without having to choose between learning and earning. If a young person just misses out first time, the system should help them find another opportunity nearby — not leave them stuck.”
For businesses like Rowan Precision, which operates in aerospace and other safety-critical supply chains, the emphasis on stronger pipelines of skilled young people is particularly welcome.
“Modern manufacturing is evolving rapidly,” Aston added. “Automation, digital inspection and advanced materials all demand a higher technical baseline. Apprenticeships allow us to nurture that capability internally, aligning training with real production environments and real customer standards.”
As ministers visit employers, training academies and skills fairs across the country this week, Rowan Precision’s message is clear: investing in apprenticeships is investing in the resilience of British industry.
“National Apprenticeship Week is a celebration,” said Aston, “but it’s also a reminder that the future of our sector depends on the young engineers we train today. If we continue to champion apprenticeships properly, we won’t just fill skills gaps — we’ll build stronger businesses and stronger communities for the long term.”