FBU Launches New Campaign For National Apprenticeship Week 2026

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2026 will run from Monday 9 February to Sunday 15 February, uniting employers, apprentices, educators, and training providers in a nationwide celebration of the value and impact of apprenticeships. This year’s theme, 'Skills for Life' and will spotlight how apprenticeships equip people with essential, long-lasting skills while helping businesses build a strong and sustainable workforce.

Family Business United is delighted to be supporting the NAW 2026 and will be showcasing the investment that family firms across the UK are making in apprentices.

New figures from the 2025 Family Business Apprentice Employers Report, published by Family Business United (FBU), underscore the significant contribution of family-owned firms to the UK’s apprenticeship landscape. According to the report, the UK’s top 24 family business apprenticeship employers currently support 776 apprentices, with 369 new apprentices joining and 354 completing their programmes in the year to June 2025.

Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, expressed his enthusiasm for supporting this year’s NAW: “Family businesses are the engine room of the national economy and a significant number of family firms invest in apprenticeships."

"Apprentices add a lot of value, fill vital skills for the future and represent the next generation of the workforce. They make a tangible difference each and every day, and it is great to see so many family firms providing career opportunities through apprenticeships too.”

“Across the UK, apprentices play an essential role in driving innovation, growth and resilience within businesses of all sizes. Their dedication and fresh perspectives strengthen organisations, support local communities, and help ensure that the UK maintains a skilled workforce ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow. It is also exciting to see a growing number of board members and directors of family firms who started out as apprentices, rising through the ranks to senior positions too, a clear demonstration of the long-term investment these firms make in their people."

As part of NAW 2026, Family Business United will launch a national campaign to showcase the diverse range of apprentices working within family-owned firms across the country. The campaign will highlight individual success stories and the vital contributions apprentices make within their organisations.

Family firms wishing to take part are invited to share details of their apprentices—including name, role, the benefits they bring to the business, and a short quote from the apprentice—to be featured in the campaign. Simply use the contact us form to find out more.