You’re never too old to learn, study or train. In fact, statistics show the number of mature students – those aged 21 or over – starting first-time first degrees in the UK has been steadily rising during the past decade. In 2015 – 16 the number of mature students carrying out first degrees was 70,215, an increase of 2.9% compared to the previous year.

The 11th National Apprenticeship Week is taking place from the 5 – 9 March 2018 in celebration of apprenticeships in England. The theme of this year’s National Apprenticeship Week is to showcase how apprenticeships work, whilst encouraging even more people to choose an apprenticeship as their gateway to a career.

It is not uncommon to reach a point in our lives when we yearn for a fresh challenge, a new direction, a change in career. We may have worked in the same profession for years and crave for something new. Or we may feel the urge to work in a job where we can make a difference, a role that helps us make an impact.

By nurturing talent, cementing skillsets from scratch and providing apprentices with first-hand experience and training of a trade, apprentices bring benefits to both the apprentice and employer. The unique advantages of hands-on training mean apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly efficient and popular way for people to find full-time employment and for employers to fill skills gaps.

From May 1, 2017, Britain's new Apprenticeship Levy began to be rolled out, changing the way apprenticeships are funded. It is important that all businesses required to pay the Levy are up-to-date on the key changes and the new standards that are being introduced.