1. The Path of an Apprentice: Our tribute to apprentices for National Apprenticeship Week 2025

We’re passionate about how apprenticeships can transform lives, and the economy.

For National Apprenticeship Week 2025, we have released a poem which shines a light on apprenticeships’ ability to change lives.  

This poem is a tribute to hardworking apprentices and employers across the country. Your hard work to develop the nation and shape skills training is invaluable. 

Across 15 routes, apprentices work hard to fill skills gaps and keep the nation’s economy moving forward. These transformational training options shape the lives of learners, offering them unique options for career progression and personal development. 

For employers, apprentices are the lifeblood of their businesses. They bring fresh ideas, new energy, and skills that help businesses grow. When employers support apprentices, they create loyal team members who understand their business from the ground up. 

We hope this poem will move you to join us in celebrating apprenticeships this National Apprenticeship Week.

 

 

2. Read the poem

The Path of An Apprentice:

 

An apprentice steps forth, to learn and to bloom, 

From now on, they venture out of the classroom. 

With hands-on skills and mentors wise, 

They craft their journey, under open skies. 

 

Each day brings skills they’ve yet to learn, 

While seasoned hands show them where to turn. 

No longer bound by books alone, 

In workshops and fields, new talents they hone. 

 

From digital realms where code flows free, 

To growing crops beneath each tree, 

From healing hands to logistics' might, 

They’ll guide the nation through day and night.

 

In kitchens bright with steel and steam, 

Young chefs pursue their culinary dream. 

While sparkies thread through roof and wall, 

To make lights dance in every hall. 

 

Where stories spread through screen and page, 

Tomorrow’s content creators set the stage.

And trainee teachers guide the way, 

Inspiring generations to learn and to play. 

 

Through air source systems, crisp and clean, 

Clean energy technicians join the scene 

While high above on turbines that gleam, 

Wind techs keep our future green. 

 

From novice steps to mastery’s height, 

They build their future, with all their might. 

With every challenge, they rise and stand, 

An apprentice’s journey, so carefully planned. 

 

Innovation springs from blended teams, 

Where experience meets exciting dreams. 

In return for time we choose to share, 

Comes loyalty and passion rare. 

 

As business grows through talents new, 

Our apprentices see projects through. 

Their energy transforms the floor, 

Questions asked unlock new doors. 

 

A career unfolds, with each skill they gain, 

In the realm of work, they carve their name. 

 

So here’s to the path, both tried and true, 

Where dreams are built, and futures too. 

 

Together now, they play their part 

Where skill meets soul and craft meets heart. 

 

An apprentice walks on, goals in sight; 

A journey of growth, towards a future bright. 

 

3. Credits

We offer our heartfelt thanks to the many people who leant their voices to our poem. From route panel members and apprentice panel members to IfATE staff, many people involved in shaping skills training have taken part in this project.

Our poem readers were: 

Apprentice panel members:

  • Alexia Williams – Chair of the IfATE Apprentice Panel 
  • Hannah Linden – Member of the IfATE Apprentice Panel 

Route panel members:

  • Hollie Whittles – Route Panel Member, Digital 
  • Michelle Mackay – Route Panel Member, Creative and Design 
  • Victoria Miles – Route Panel Member, Legal, Finance and Accounting 
  • Michelle Bramley – Route Panel Member, Legal, Finance and Accounting 
  • Sami Ben Ali – Route Panel Member, Business and Administration  
  • Colin Buckle CENG FICE – Route Panel Member, Construction and The Built Environment 
  • Colin Baines – Route Panel Member, Health and Science 

IfATE team members:

  • Amelia Russel – IfATE ex-apprentice and Product Manager 
  • Miranda Grafton – IfATE ex-apprentice and T Level/ABS Programme Officer 
  • Chilufya Dawo – IfATE Deputy Director for Strategic Communications and Engagement 
  • Jonathan Mitchell - IfATE Deputy Director of Future Skills and Innovation 
  • Phil Scullion – IfATE Head of Communications and External Affairs 
  • Niel Stewart – IfATE Head of Digital Channels  
  • Paul Offord – IfATE Senior External Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Manager 
  • Jonathan Walden – IfATE Senior Project Consultant 
  • Tabbitha Carrington – IfATE Project Consultant 
  • Gabby Willis – IfATE Digital Communications Manager 

 

4. Further Resources

We have gathered further resources to help you plan your apprenticeship journey. Whether you’re on the path of an apprentice, are working to develop apprenticeships, or are an employer of apprentices, you’ll find what you need below. 

 

General resources: 

  • Our Occupational maps are a visual representation of the technical education skills system. They are a great way to explore technical occupations by allowing a user to discover the apprenticeships and technical qualifications available. Use the maps to explore career progression options. 

  • Our Green Toolkit helps route panels and trailblazers develop apprenticeships with the green skills needed to achieve Net Zero by 2025.  

 

For employers: 

  • Find out how you can employ an apprentice, including funding options and your responsibilities as an employer 

 

For learners: