Trent Refractories Welcomes Our New Apprentice Laboratory Technician

2nd March 2026

Lili is a dynamic and self-driven individual with hands-on experience in plant operations and safety procedures, gained during her time as a Trainee Operator at Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery. Her adaptability and enthusiasm for learning make her an excellent fit for our technical team, and we look forward to supporting her development in laboratory practices. Lili will begin a degree at Sheffield University in the Autumn.

As a business we fully support National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2026 which ran from Monday 9 February to Sunday 15 February 2026. The 2026 theme is "Skills for Life," showcasing how apprenticeships help individuals gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to build successful careers, while enabling employers to fill critical skills gaps. A major goal is to highlight how apprenticeships break down barriers to opportunity and support economic growth.

National Apprenticeship Week (often called Apprenticeships Week) is an annual, week-long celebration in the United Kingdom dedicated to highlighting and promoting apprenticeships, work-based training schemes that allow people to earn while they learn.

What it is
It’s a national campaign and celebration, usually taking place in February each year. In 2026 it runs from Monday, February 9th to Sunday 15th February. The week brings together individuals, training providers, employers, schools, colleges, and policymakers to shine a spotlight on apprenticeships and the role they play in developing skills and careers.

Why it exists
Celebrate apprentices and success stories: This honours the people taking apprenticeships, their achievements, experiences, and career journeys. Highlight the benefits of apprenticeships: The week showcases how apprenticeships help individuals gain skills while earning, help employers fill critical skill gaps, and support the broader economy. Raise awareness: It’s an opportunity for young people, career changers, parents, and educators to learn more about apprenticeship routes, hear from real apprentices, and explore options.

What happens during the week
Events and activities: There are online and in-person events, workshops, webinars, careers fairs and networking sessions geared toward learning about apprenticeships and connecting with employers. Sharing stories: Apprentices, employers and training providers are encouraged to share their stories and successes on social media, often with hashtags like #NAW2026. Support and resources: Organisations provide toolkits, information sessions, and careers advice to help people understand different apprenticeship pathways.

What apprenticeships are
An apprenticeship combines paid work with structured training, enabling learners of many ages to gain practical on-the-job skills alongside formal study, often leading to recognised qualifications and career progression. If you’re thinking about starting an apprenticeship or just want to learn more about your options, National Apprenticeship Week is a great time to explore opportunities and attend events that could help launch your career.

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