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National Apprenticeship Week: Confidence, Opportunity and Real Community Impact

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National Apprenticeship Week celebrates those who learn while they work and the organisations that invest in their potential. Apprenticeships don’t just build skills; they build confidence, unlock ambition and strengthen communities, and at Covéa Insurance, apprenticeships are central to our commitment to social mobility.

Through our Levy Transfer partnerships and a £250,000 donation to the Mayor of West Yorkshire’s Apprenticeship Scheme, we’re helping smaller organisations access training that would otherwise be out of reach, supporting future talent and sustainable workforce growth.

Supporting Small Teams With Big Ambitions

At The Piece Hall, the impact is immediate.

“We’re quite a small team, so any skills anyone brings in enhances us. It helps us do things quicker and more efficiently,” said Francesca O’Brien, HR Manager. With limited budgets, development can often be delayed. Levy Transfer funding ensures vital skills growth doesn’t have to wait.

Confidence: The Biggest Transformation

Training providers consistently see one standout outcome: confidence. For many people, it isn’t newly gained- it’s rebuilt.

Without formal qualifications, capable employees can quietly feel overlooked or “less qualified.” Apprenticeships level the playing field, providing structure, recognition and knowledge that turns self-doubt into self-belief.

Briony Jackson Owens, Calderdale Leadership Programme Manager at Calderdale College, explains:

“Apprenticeships support real growth in real workplaces. When organisations and providers work together, apprentices build confidence, strengthen skills and understand the difference they can make.”

Her reflections underline the transformational mindset shift apprentices experience, from waiting to be directed, to taking ownership, showing curiosity and developing into future leaders.

And Claire Baxendale from The Link Training adds a deeper perspective on this transformation: “Apprenticeships give people a safe and supportive space to try new approaches, make mistakes without fear, and receive constructive feedback. As their knowledge grows, so does their confidence, and organisations benefit from employees who understand not just what they do, but why they do it. It creates reflective, capable professionals who add value across the entire business.”

Opening Doors to New Sectors

At Waves, apprenticeships are opening doors to care roles for people who may never have considered them before.

“Apprenticeships allow people with no prior experience to learn in a supportive, hands-on environment,” said Chloe Monkman, Administrative Assistant. “They bring enthusiasm, fresh perspectives and help diversify the team.”

For many, Levy Transfer funding has been the turning point - enabling progression, promotion and greater responsibility. The result is a more confident and inclusive workforce.

Creating Opportunity in Social Care

For CSS, supporting adults with learning disabilities, autism and physical disabilities, apprenticeships are essential.

“We invest in people from day one,” said Claire Turner. “Many arrive with values and empathy but no formal training. Apprenticeships give them the knowledge to grow, progress and lead.”

Without Levy Transfer funding, this wouldn’t be possible. “It makes a huge difference,” Claire added.

A Shared Commitment to People

Across every organisation, the message is clear: apprenticeships change lives. They build confidence, broaden horizons and create opportunity - strengthening both workplaces and communities.

This National Apprenticeship Week, we’re proud to celebrate every apprentice, every employer investing in their people, and every partner helping make these opportunities possible.

Together, we’re building confidence, levelling the playing field and creating a stronger, fairer future for all.