Army Launches Special Awards To Celebrate National Apprenticeship Week

The Army has marked the start of National Apprenticeship Week with the announcement of the Army’s first ever Apprenticeship Awards.

The aim is to recognise the achievements of the soldiers that take up apprenticeships during service. In fact, the Army is the UK employer with the largest apprenticeships' scheme, and 95% of new recruits currently make the most of this opportunity.

The Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans Mark Lancaster said:

"There are very few employers who would literally take someone in with a minimum level of qualification and potentially offer them, if they want, to get a degree by the end of their service"

The new awards will recognise the Army's "Best current apprentice" and the "Best apprentice champion", a former apprentice who has gone on to excel in their chosen career. 

The Army offers more than 40 different apprenticeships in different sectors, including healthcare, engineering, construction and catering.

This year it's the 10th anniversary of the National Apprenticeship Week, an occasion for employers and apprentices to celebrate the success of the initiative.