National Apprenticeship Week 2021: building back better with apprentices

Government highlights apprentices and employers across the UK who have been keeping the country running during the pandemic.

During National Apprenticeship Week 2021, High Speed 2 (HS2) and Skills Minister Andrew Stephenson has paid tribute to the apprentices and their employers around the country who have been stepping up to keep the country running throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

From setting up mentor programmes and using innovative technology to keep people safe through to launching Wellbeing Wednesdays, employers from across the transport sector have ensured that apprentices have been able to continue to advance their careers in their valuable placements, despite challenging circumstances.

HS2 and Skills Minster Andrew Stephenson said:

This week is a great opportunity to shine a light on the can-do attitude of employers and apprentices during the pandemic.

Apprentices play a pivotal role in bringing new skills and fresh perspectives into the workplace. As they gain the skills and confidence to forge a brilliant career, they lead the way in unlocking new jobs and ensuring this country has the skilled workforce it needs for the future.

It is crucial we continue to attract and inspire a wide range of people into transport careers so we can deliver our ambitious programme of infrastructure investment as we build back better from COVID-19.

Network Rail apprentice Callum was part-way through a placement in construction management at the start of the pandemic, working on large projects including the installation of a dive-under beneath the East Coast Main Line and a bridge replacement in South Yorkshire.