NAW 2026

The Best Connection Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week 2026 

National Apprenticeship Week 2026 was a fantastic opportunity for The Best Connection to celebrate the value of apprenticeships across our business, recognise the achievements of our learners, and highlight the long-term career opportunities available through our Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ apprenticeship programme. 

Throughout the week, we shared inspiring apprentice stories, insights and behind-the-scenes content across our website and Careers channels, showcasing how apprenticeships continue to strengthen our people, support our branch network and drive long-term growth. 

Our Commitment to Apprenticeships 

Since becoming an apprenticeship employer provider in 2021, The Best Connection has supported 279+ apprentices across the UK, helping colleagues earn while they learn, gain nationally recognised qualifications and build meaningful, long-term careers. 

We are proud to mark five years as an employer provider, and even prouder of the results our apprentices continue to achieve. In 2024, we were awarded Ofsted ‘Outstanding’, and our learners have consistently demonstrated exceptional performance, with: 

• 95% of apprentices achieving Distinction grades in 2024 

• 100% of apprentices achieving Distinction in 2025 

• Around 60 apprentices currently developing across different areas of the business 

Darren Ainge, Director at The Best Connection, reflected on the week: 

“National Apprenticeship Week is an apt time to reflect on the value apprenticeships bring to The Best Connection. We’re proud to mark five years as an employer provider, and during that time we’ve seen apprentices play an important role in strengthening our capability, developing talent and supporting long-term growth. This week was a brilliant opportunity to recognise their achievements and celebrate the role they play in our future.” 

At The Best Connection, apprenticeships are more than an entry route into employment – they are a long-term investment in skills development, leadership progression and succession planning across our national branch network. 

For more information on apprenticeships at The Best Connection, head to our Apprenticeships hub. 

Bringing Apprenticeship Stories and Support to Life 

Throughout National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we focused on showcasing what apprenticeships really look like at The Best Connection, from individual learner journeys to the structured support that helps apprentices succeed. 

Across the week, we featured apprentices from branches including Worthing, Maidstone and Bristol, sharing honest reflections on their experiences. Apprentices including Katie, Tahlia, Kacelin, Callum and Zara spoke about: 

• Why they chose an apprenticeship route 

• The skills, confidence and knowledge they have developed 

• Their proudest achievements, including Distinction results 

• The support and mentoring they have received 

• Their advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship 

These stories highlighted that apprenticeships are not limited to school leavers. They offer valuable opportunities for individuals starting their careers, returning to work, changing direction, or developing professionally within an existing role. 

A Day in the Life of an Apprenticeship Trainer 

To give further insight into the quality and structure of our programme, we also shared a Day in the Life of one of our Apprenticeship Trainers. The behind-the-scenes video and blog demonstrated the dedicated support that underpins our Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ apprenticeship provision. 

Emily Parkes, Apprenticeship Trainer at The Best Connection shared: 

“One of the most rewarding parts of delivering the apprenticeship programme is seeing learners grow in confidence. Many start unsure of their ability, and over time you see them develop into capable, knowledgeable professionals who are making a real impact in their branches.” 

By combining real apprentice stories with structured training and dedicated support, National Apprenticeship Week gave us the opportunity to demonstrate how apprenticeships at The Best Connection translate into meaningful career momentum. 

Looking Beyond National Apprenticeship Week 

While National Apprenticeship Week 2026 provided a dedicated moment to celebrate, our commitment to apprenticeships continues year-round. 

We believe apprenticeships are a powerful way to: 

• Support early careers and new starters 

• Enable career changers and reskilling opportunities 

• Invest in long-term employee development 

• Strengthen organisational capability across the business 

By combining structured learning, mentoring and hands-on experience, apprenticeships at The Best Connection create clear progression pathways and sustainable career development. 

Interested in Starting Your Apprenticeship Journey? 

If you are considering your next career step, an apprenticeship could offer the opportunity to earn while you learn, gain a recognised qualification and build real-world experience within a supportive national business. 

Explore our apprenticeship programme or view current apprenticeship vacancies.