Today marks the start of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2026, running from 9th–15th February 2026, a moment that brings people and organisations across the country together to celebrate the incredible difference apprenticeships make. From shaping meaningful careers to supporting strong and confident teams, this weeklong celebration highlights how apprenticeships open doors, build essential skills, and create opportunities that last a lifetime.

This year’s theme Skills for Life, is all about building real-world confidence and capability, creating pathways into purposeful careers, and helping employers grow strong, future-ready teams. Within the Early Years sector, that means developing brilliant educators who spark curiosity, nurture resilience, and make a measurable difference to children aged 0–5.  

As a specialist provider of Early Years apprenticeships, Shaping Lives are committed to growing skilled and confident educators who make a lasting difference in Early Years sector. Our purpose is simple: to deliver outstanding skills and growth programmes for apprentices. With our tailored learning journeys, sector knowhow and energetic coaching, we help apprentices thrive and nurseries succeed, Shaping your tomorrow, today. 

 

Daily Themes for NAW 2026: 

 

Each day of National Apprenticeship Week has a special focus: 

  • Monday – Skills for Life 
  • Tuesday – Employer Tuesday 
  • Wednesday – Apprentice Wednesday 
  • Thursday – T Level Thursday 
  • Friday – Celebration Friday 
  • Saturday & Sunday – The NAW Weekender  

 

Why apprenticeships matter in early years 

 

Early years sets the foundation for everything that follows. Apprenticeships are one of the best ways to grow confident, capable practitioners; whether you’re starting out, returning to work, switching careers, or stepping up into leadership. At Shaping Lives, we offer clear progression from Level 2 to Level 5, aligning learning tightly with real-world nursery practice. 

Our approach blends expert coaching with day to day application so apprentices build the skills, judgement and behaviours that matter most in nursery settings; planning playful learning, championing communication and language, and creating safe, inclusive environments where children flourish.  

 

Celebrating NAW 2026 at Shaping Lives 

 

Throughout NAW 2026, we’ll be sharing real stories from apprentices, mentors, sector specialists and nursery settings, across videos, blogs, case studies and inspiring content that shine a light on how early years apprenticeships build confidence, strengthen teams and improve outcomes for children. 

 

Here’s how you can get involved: 

 

Stay connected on social media
Follow Shaping Lives on social media throughout the week as we share inspiring success stories and shine a light on the positive impact early years apprenticeships make. Join the conversation using #NAW2026 and #SkillsforLife. 

You can find us on:  

 

Celebrate your apprentices

National Apprenticeship Week is the perfect moment to recognise and appreciate the learners who are developing their Skills for Life through early years apprenticeships. Here are a few ways you can celebrate them: 

  • Share Success Stories: Highlight your apprentices’ journeys with stories and case studies that show the positive impact they’re making in your setting. 
  • Send Congratulations: A simple message or shoutout can go a long way in recognising their hard work, progress and dedication. 
  • Create a Digital Hall of Success: Feature your apprentices’ photos and achievements on your website or social channels, and let them share their experiences, challenges and proud moments. 

 

Champion apprenticeships in Early Years

National Apprenticeship Week is a great opportunity to highlight the positive impact apprenticeships have across your early years setting, from developing staff and strengthening practice to supporting the future of your workforce. Use this week to showcase how apprenticeships have helped you meet training goals, improved the quality of care in your setting and interactions you provide, and boosted confidence across your team. It’s also a chance to spark conversations by sharing the difference apprentices are making every day and celebrating the individuals shaping the future of early childhood education. 

 

Make your apprenticeship pledge

Show your commitment to apprenticeships and workforce development within the Early Years sector by pledging how you’ll support apprentices’ growth; whether that’s investing in training, offering progression pathways, or plans to welcome more apprentices this year. 

 

Building Skills for Life, together 

 

National Apprenticeship Week is a powerful reminder of the incredible contribution apprentices make to the early years sector, and we’re proud to play a part in developing the skilled, confident educators who help children thrive.  

At Shaping Lives, we remain committed to delivering outstanding, specialist apprenticeship training that strengthens nursery teams and supports apprentices to build meaningful, rewarding careers in early childhood education.  

We’re excited to celebrate NAW 2026 with you and recognise the vital role apprenticeships play in shaping the future of early years. 

Here’s to a week of recognition, progress and positive impact—Shaping your tomorrow, today.