National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (9th – 15th February) was a celebration of talent, opportunity and the power of vocational routes into science. This year’s theme, Skills for Life, resonated strongly across our activities, as the Science Council highlighted the value of science apprenticeships, the vital role professional registration plays in supporting apprentice development, and the professional registration application process.
Tyler Harvey-Cowlishaw, Science Apprenticeship Ambassador and co-founder of the Science Apprenticeship Forum, kicked off our celebrations with an inspiring video. She reflected on how science apprenticeships have expanded her skills and backed by strong pathways to professional registration, supercharged her career journey. We also shared our Apprenticeship Roadmap – a practical guide to science career pathways that demonstrates how apprenticeships can lead to professional registration and formal recognition.
On Tuesday, we turned the spotlight on apprentice employers, including:
- James Fox, Deputy Operations Manager, Department of Biology – University of York;
- Nadia Rahman, Histopathology Laboratory Manager – Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London;
- National Physical Laboratory
These apprentice employers reflected on how apprentices strengthen their teams and futureproof the profession.
Wednesday showcased inspiring science apprentices. We heard from:
- Selene Manning, Laboratory Technician at the Institute of Cancer Research;
- Daniel Smith, Nuclear Metrology Scientist – National Physical Laboratory;
- Emilia Reyes Pabon, Apprentice technician scientist at the University of Oxford
Each inspiring science apprentice demonstrated the everyday impact of science apprenticeships.
On Thursday, we explored T Level placements in pharmacy settings and tackled common misconceptions in our apprenticeships myth-busting blog.
Finally, the week was rounded off with a celebratory thank-you video from our CEO.
If you missed the celebrations, you can still read the case studies and blog on our website – follow the links above or explore our ‘News and Blog’ area. Alternatively, head over to our LinkedIn and see how science apprenticeships are building skills and professional futures.
Thank you to everyone who took part!
