Opportunity Thursday: Exploring your next steps

It’s National Apprenticeship Week, and today we’re shining a spotlight on opportunities for growth, progression, and professional development. For mid-career professionals, apprenticeships aren’t just about completing a qualification- they’re a chance to develop new skills, take on more responsibility, and open doors to future career opportunities.

Opportunity Thursday is all about helping learners see what’s possible. Many of our apprentices are already applying their learning in the workplace, improving team performance, and developing leadership skills. By reflecting on their progress and exploring next steps, they can make strategic decisions about their careers – whether that’s moving into a more senior role, taking on additional projects, or specialising in a particular area of expertise.

Why Opportunities Matter

Mid-career professionals often juggle work, study, and personal commitments, which makes planning the next step in their careers even more important. National Apprenticeship Week reminds us that opportunities aren’t always obvious- they need to be recognised, explored, and acted upon. Apprenticeships provide structured support for this: guidance from trainers, access to resources, and practical tools to apply learning in real workplace situations.

Making Progress Tangible

Our learners are encouraged to reflect on their learning and identify opportunities to apply it. This might include:

• Leading a team project and implementing improvements
• Taking ownership of a new initiative that benefits the organisation
• Using feedback to refine professional behaviours and decision-making
• Upskilling in a specific area to prepare for progression

By connecting learning to real workplace impact, apprentices can see the value of their development and identify next steps that will benefit both themselves and their organisations.

Celebrating NAW Through Opportunities

National Apprenticeship Week is the perfect moment to highlight the doors apprenticeships can open. It’s about recognising the learners who take initiative, seek out challenges, and push themselves to grow. Opportunity Thursday reminds us that career progression is an ongoing journey, and apprenticeships provide the structure, support, and skills to make meaningful steps forward.

Opportunity Thursday is a celebration of that drive, determination, and vision, and a chance to inspire others to see the possibilities available through apprenticeships.