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NAW2026 - Why apprenticeships matter now more than ever

09 February 2026

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It's National Apprenticeship Week! We're excited to celebrate our Apprentices across our content this week, starting with a Q&A with our CEO Jas Rai on why apprenticeships matter more than ever. 

What do apprentices bring to an organisation that you can’t get anywhere else?

“Apprentices bring fresh thinking, curiosity and a willingness to ask the questions others sometimes don’t. In our team, they challenge assumptions and bring energy and perspectives that really add value.”

Why are apprentices so essential to SEC’s future workforce?

“Because they grow with us. As an employer, it’s not just about supporting an apprenticeship, but about giving people breadth, confidence and real-life experience so they can stand on their own two feet and build long-term careers.”

What’s one lesson from early in your career that you wish every apprentice could hear?

“You don’t need to have all the answers , confidence comes from learning, asking questions and being open to feedback. The skills that really matter develop over time, through experience.”

Has there been an apprentice you’ve met who has really made an impression on you? 

“I’ve been lucky to work with apprentices throughout my career, in construction, at the British Library, and now at SEC. What always stands out is how much they bring their whole selves to work: they work hard, want to progress, and are genuinely motivated to grow and develop. Watching that confidence and independence build is incredibly rewarding. On a personal level, my dad started as an apprentice at Chatham Dockyard, and he’s still someone who can turn his hand to almost anything, a real reminder of how powerful that foundation can be.”

If you could take an apprenticeship in anything today, what would it be and why?

“At 16, it would have been mechanics, I loved cars and I’m still a bit of a petrol head (though less so these days). Now, I’d choose something like hospitality or farm management. I’d happily swap a sports car for a solid, sturdy jeep and learn the skills to run a small B&B and farm in the future."

It's clear that when we invest in apprentices we're not just supporting a qualification, we're celebrating fresh thinking and curiosity whilst helping people to truly thrive. We're looking forward to celebrating our Apprentices this week. You can learn more about them and their roles - Meet the team | South East Consortium

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