Our live chat and phone lines will be closed from 9:45 on Monday 9 November as all of our colleagues are attending a business update event. During this time, you can email [email protected] or alternatively, you may find the answer to your query on our website. We will reopen our lines from 12:00 on the same day and will respond to any emails received as soon as possible.
Apprenticeships that build skills for life
Celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2026 with us! This year's theme, "Skills for Life" takes centre stage. We’re showcasing how apprenticeships support people to build key career skills.
Throughout the week, we’re highlighting the value of apprenticeships and hearing from providers, employers and apprentices. We'd love for you to join us during our week-long celebration!
Apprenticeship vs university: what to do next?
The 2025–26 reforms and new foundation apprenticeships mean learning routes are becoming more flexible and practical. Compare apprenticeships and university by taking a look at our blog.
Get in touch
Apprenticeships have a proven track record of transforming lives, and their impact will only continue to grow. As the sector evolves, maintaining a strong, supportive apprenticeship experience, both in the workplace and through structured learning, is essential to helping learners thrive.
How apprenticeships provide skills for life
At 64, Mick Hopkinson, a Tutor Performance Manager at Learning Curve Group, took on a Level 3 Team Leader Supervisor apprenticeship to gain formal qualifications and enhance his skills.
With support from the team at Learning Curve Group, he built confidence, applied new knowledge to his role, and even enrolled in another apprenticeship!
Mick’s journey is a powerful reminder that apprenticeships coupled with a supportive employer can offer valuable opportunities at any age or stage of your career.
I am...
An apprentice:
Take a look at our apprentice support page to find out more about how you can take up an apprenticeship
A provider:
For more information or to talk to our team about the upcoming apprenticeship assessment reforms
Discover how we can support you and your apprentices through our award-winning end-point assessment (EPA) service.
An employer:
For more information or to talk to our team about the upcoming assessment reforms
Find out more about the EPA standards we offer and our market-leading end-point assessment (EPA) service
We also offer a range of mandatory and complementary qualifications to support your apprentice's on programme learning.
Apprenticeship assessment is changing
Approach the upcoming assessment reforms with clarity, confidence, and zero disruption.
Book consultationDo you know an apprentice who deserve to win the Apprentice of the Year award?
Enter our Aspiration Awards for a chance to give recognition for exceptional work.
Built by an apprenticeship: Jessica’s journey from learner to skilled professional
We hear from Jess Gillie as she reflects on her progression from apprentice to Relationship Co‑ordinator, outlining how her apprenticeship supported her professional growth and career development at NCFE.
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We answer 7 of your most searched questions on apprenticeships
Can apprenticeships lead to university? How are they funded? And are they worth applying for? In this blog, our expert on apprenticeships, Allison Chatten, answers seven of your burning questions.
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What is an apprenticeship standard?
Our Director of Operations for Apprenticeships, Suzanne Slater, explains what an apprenticeship standard is and why they are so important.
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Learner stories: “I have never had an apprentice who is so dedicated”
We spoke to Aspiration Award finalist and adult learner, Sinead Hall, to find out more about her experience of completing her Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship with Best Practice Network.
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Tyne North Training: “Our apprentices have continued to thrive in their learning journeys”
We sit down with Tyne North Training's Senior Training Officer, Nicola Smith, to discover more about her experience of working with NCFE to deliver end-point assessment (EPA) to hundreds of apprentices across the North East of England.
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