National Apprenticeship Week (9–15 February 2026) is a week‑long celebration that brings together employers and apprentices across the UK to shine a light on the positive impact apprenticeships and skills have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
With the theme “Skills for Life”, National Apprenticeship Week 2026 encourages organisations to celebrate how apprenticeships help people reach their full potential. By breaking down barriers to opportunity and developing the skills employers need, apprenticeships play a vital role in driving long‑term economic growth and building capable, confident workforces.
At Kersia UK, these values strongly align with our commitment to investing in our people. We believe learning is continuous, and that providing opportunities to upskill, gain qualifications and develop confidence is essential to both personal growth and business success. Apprenticeships allow colleagues to apply learning directly in their roles, strengthening our teams while supporting individual development.
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we’re proud to share the story of Steve Perry, who is currently completing an apprenticeship in mentoring; a journey that demonstrates the real impact of skills development in action.
Developing Skills Through Mentoring
Steve’s decision to undertake an apprenticeship stemmed from his passion for supporting others. After setting up a Mentorship Programme within Kersia, he wanted to ensure he had the right knowledge and tools to lead it effectively.
“Having set up a mentoring programme, I wanted to get some insight into how to be an effective mentor,” Steve explains.
Rather than being driven by career progression alone, Steve’s focus was on strengthening the programme and the support it provides to colleagues. “It wasn’t so much career ambitions I wanted to enhance, but my ability to lead an effective programme,” he says; a mindset that reflects Kersia’s culture of purposeful development.
Personal Growth and Professional Impact
From the outset, Steve hoped the apprenticeship would build both confidence and credibility. “Personally, I will have the confidence to answer colleagues’ questions regarding the benefits of mentoring,” he explains. “Professionally, I’ve learned a lot of things which will help me in my role as ambassador of the mentor programme.”
The apprenticeship has exposed Steve to a wide range of topics and approaches, which he describes as “an eye opener.” Alongside theory, a key element has been putting learning into practice. “I’ve had to mentor colleagues myself, and this has been a fantastic learning development for me,” he says.
As part of the programme, Steve is mentoring colleagues both in the UK and internationally, helping him further develop communication, empathy and coaching skills; core attributes of effective mentoring.
A Commitment to Employee Development
For Steve, the apprenticeship clearly demonstrates Kersia’s investment in its people. “Kersia looked for an apprenticeship that was suitable for my needs and development,” he explains. This tailored approach has strengthened his sense of value within the organisation and reinforced Kersia’s commitment to helping colleagues succeed.
Steve is a strong advocate for apprenticeships and would encourage others to consider one. “Definitely! I’ve learned so much. It’s given me a real thirst to learn new ideas and made me very open‑minded,” he says.
When asked about the key benefits of apprenticeships, Steve highlights three stand‑out themes:
These benefits strongly reflect the purpose of mentoring and buddy programmes at Kersia, which are built around empathy, listening, guidance and empowerment.
Looking Ahead
Looking to the future, Steve sees the apprenticeship as having a lasting positive impact. “It can only benefit my future,” he says, highlighting the confidence and understanding he has gained around the Mentorship Programme.
He adds, “It’s shown me that Kersia is a great company to work for by supporting my development and helping me be successful. It’s given me a feeling of worth and identity.”
Steve’s story is a powerful example of how apprenticeships help individuals develop skills for life, while also strengthening the business. At Kersia UK, we’re proud to support colleagues like Steve and remain committed to creating opportunities that enable our people to learn, grow and thrive.
