NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK 2026

National Apprenticeship Week 2026. National Apprenticeship Week 2026 shines a spotlight on the next generation of talent powering the UK seafood industry.

National Apprenticeship Week 2026, which runs from February 9 – 15 in England and Wales and March 2-6 in Scotland, is again shining a light on the next generation of seafood industry talent. 

Northern Ireland enjoyed its own National Apprenticeship Week at the beginning of February.

With hands-on training, industry mentorship, and real-world experience, apprenticeships help young people and those looking to change careers gain the skills the seafood industry needs to grow.

Apprenticeships combine practical on the job training with additional study. An apprentice is employed by a business and is paid while they gain experience and knowledge, important to their job role and chosen apprenticeship. 

National Apprenticeship Week 2026 is a week-long national celebration honouring apprentices, employers, training providers, parents, schools, colleges, universities, assessment organisations and ambassadors who make apprenticeships and skills thrive. The event took place from 02 to 06 February in Northern Ireland, from 09 to 15 February in England and Wales and will occur in Scotland from 02 to 06 March.

Seafish Onshore Training Advisor, Richard Wardell, along with Matthew Bell, Head of Business Development at FDQ have been visiting fishmongers this month to discuss the opportunities available. They’ve also listened to how the Fishmonger Apprenticeship has supported staff development and helped business operations too.

Matthew Bell is Head of Business Development at FDQ (Food and Drink Qualifications). They are responsible for apprentice end-point assessments for food and drink qualifications including the Fishmonger Apprenticeship.

You can watch Matthew talking about apprenticeships in the video below:

For more information about apprenticeships, visit our Seafood business apprenticeships page.

Seafood business apprenticeships

Image: Seafish