This week, the Growth Company and GM Business Growth Hub is proudly joining organisations across the UK in celebrating National Apprenticeship Week - a national moment to recognise the vital role apprenticeships play in unlocking opportunity, supporting business growth and strengthening local and regional economies.
Now in its 19th year, National Apprenticeship Week highlights how high‑quality skills programmes open doors, create pathways to employment, and help people of all ages gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
As an organisation committed to inclusive growth and economic resilience, apprenticeships are central to our mission. They touch every part of our organisation, from helping businesses develop talent, to building the region’s skills pipeline, attracting new investment, and deepening our understanding of the skills our economy relies on.
The importance of Skills for Life
Across the Growth Company, we see first-hand how apprenticeships transform lives and contribute to a stronger, more inclusive economy:
• For individuals, apprenticeships provide confidence, experience and pathways into rewarding careers.
• For employers, they help build resilient, future‑focused teams and address critical skills gaps.
• For our places, they support long‑term competitiveness, inward investment and labour‑market growth.
From supporting thousands of learners across key sectors, to helping employers at every stage of their growth journey, to showcasing Greater Manchester’s talent offer to investors, apprenticeships remain fundamental to delivering our shared ambition of a thriving, inclusive economy.
Janine Smith, Director of GM Business Growth Hub:
At GM Business Growth Hub, we work with businesses every day who tell us that skills development is one of their biggest challenges, but it also presents one of their biggest opportunities. Our skills development offer helps employers identify gaps, access fully funded training, and build the confident, capable teams they need to grow.
Apprenticeships are an important part of that, alongside programmes like T Levels, which give businesses early access to emerging talent and bring fresh ideas into the workplace. When employers invest in skills, whether through training or providing placement opportunities, they unlock increased productivity and strengthen their future. People are at the heart of every business, and by supporting employers to develop their workforce at every level, we are helping to build a more resilient, inclusive, and competitive economy in Greater Manchester.
Supporting a future full of opportunities
The Hub is working with Greater Manchester SMEs, to bring apprentices with ambition to businesses with vision
Apprenticeships have come a long way, and in today’s world of work, they are suitable for people of all ages and stages of their careers.
They are a win-win arrangement for both employers and staff. It incentivises businesses to bridge their skills gaps and apprentices get to learn and earn from day one.
If you’re interested in apprenticeship, take a look at The GM Skills Map. It’s a great online tool, where you can find over 430 apprenticeship options. It even allows you to explore to a range of funding options, from fully or part funded to co-invested. With a range of skill levels and programme lengths and industries, learning can be done online, in-person or blended. There is something there for everyone.
If you don’t know where to start, click the link below and see what’s trending in our city-region. Sectors like transport, logistics, social media and tech are looking for new talent.
Showcasing the impact across our organisation
During National Apprenticeship Week, teams across the Growth Company will be sharing stories that highlight the achievements of our learners, the businesses strengthening their workforce through apprenticeships, and share insights that reflect the many ways apprenticeships drive impact for people, businesses, and places.
Whether you're a business looking to build your workforce, an individual exploring your next step, or a partner working to support local communities, National Apprenticeship Week is the perfect time to explore how apprenticeships can help.
Get in touch
Please contact us at 0161 3593050 or query below.
Take that first step and we’ll support you with whatever you need to succeed.
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