University of Gloucestershire is celebrating the contribution of apprenticeships to the regional economy, to mark National Apprenticeship Week 2026.
Starting on Monday, 9 February, National Apprenticeship Week brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
As one of the largest apprenticeship providers in the region, the University will share inspiring case studies and uplifting success stories across its social media channels throughout the week, showcasing its apprentices, employer partners and extensive range of higher and degree apprenticeship opportunities.
Apprenticeships allow people to earn qualifications while they are working, which enhances their career prospects. At the same time, research has shown that companies that invest in apprenticeships benefit from greater productivity, enhanced competitiveness and improved staff retention, making them a win-win for employers and their staff.
The University currently delivers 17 higher and degree apprenticeships across Health and Social Care, Digital and Cyber, and Business and Leadership. All programmes are developed in partnership with employers across the UK to deliver high-quality apprenticeship provision and address regional skills gaps, helping drive growth throughout Gloucestershire and beyond.
These includes the apprenticeship opportunities being delivered through the University’s newly launched 2026 Cyber and Digital Launchpad, which enables employers to meet with potential new recruits keen to embark on a career in cyber and digital.
Degree apprentice Emma (Healthcare Science (Vascular Science)) said: “It’s really good to have the mixture of university and the clinical side. My advice to someone considering a degree apprenticeship is ‘Give it go’. This apprenticeship is going to benefit me going forward, it’s going to open up a lot more doors for me to be able to progress in my career.”
Dame Clare Marchant, DBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: “We are delighted to mark National Apprenticeship Week 2026 bycelebrating the incredible contribution that our apprentices, our staff delivering the programmes, and our employer partners make across Gloucestershire and the wider region.
“Apprentices are an integral part of our community and we are exceptionally proud that they make up around 10% of our student population.
“Our higher and degree apprenticeships are a vital part of our mission as a civic and connected university. They help people build rewarding and meaningful careers, they support our NHS and our digital and cyber sectors, and they play a crucial role in meeting the region’s skills needs.
“We’re proud of our commitment to delivering high-quality, employer-led apprenticeship programmes that make a real difference to individuals, communities and the regional economy.
“Thank you to everyone involved in apprenticeships during National Apprenticeship Week 2026 and throughout the year – you are helping to shape the future of our region.”
