National Apprenticeship Week 2026 – Skills for Life
This week is National Apprenticeship Week, an annual celebration that highlights the positive impact of apprenticeships on individuals, businesses and the economy.
This year’s theme is “Skills for Life,” emphasising how apprenticeships develop essential skills for their careers and personal growth.
Karbon colleagues Toni Major and Jay Brennan have experienced this first hand after completing their apprenticeships last year and getting full time roles at Karbon as joiners.
It's like one big Karbon family
“Being able to earn and learn whilst gaining hands on experience on the job was so beneficial,” said Jay “We were massively supported by Karbon and our college as well, it really helped get a better understanding of what’s needed from you and how to do your role.”
“The support from my manager and colleagues was great,” added Toni “Not just on the joinery side but on the mental side as well. If I was getting stressed on the job, they would support me as much as I needed and make sure I understood everything. It gave me a massive boost of confidence.”
Both Toni and Jay were thrilled when they found out they’d managed to get full time roles at Karbon.
“I was ecstatic,” said Jay “I was so happy and excited to be kept on and continue working with the team that I’ve basically learned nearly everything off in the past two years. They’re not just colleagues, it’s a real team that’s nice to be part of. I come to work and I feel excited.”
“It’s also about being financially stable,” said Toni. “I’ve got two kids and the house so having this job really helps with that.”
“It's like one big Karbon family. We both did two years of joinery before as full time courses and you don't learn anywhere nearly the amount you learn when you're on the job. You’re also supported with learning the health and safety aspects of the role so you get a full insight into the job.”
Find out more about Toni's apprenticeship journey in this video:
A big step on the career ladder
Ollie Porter from Prudhoe and Will Kidman from Ovingham both started their apprenticeship journeys with Karbon last year. They see their apprenticeships as a big first step on their career journeys.
Will, an Apprentice Plasterer said: “I live in a Karbon home and I’ve had chats with people who’ve worked at Karbon for 50 years. They both spoke really highly of it. They both started as apprentices and developed their careers over that time. That really appealed to me.”
Ollie, an Apprentice Heating Engineer has been enjoying working with the team “I’ve been able to learn something new every day and that’s what I love about it. Being able to learn from people who’ve had 30 plus years’ experience is something you can’t buy.”
“I feel honoured to have been given this opportunity,” said Will. “To know they’ve picked me and want to give me the chance to prove myself is amazing. They’ve taken a massive leap of faith in taking us on and we want to return that favour.”
Our apprenticeship programmes offer more than just a job. It’s an opportunity for Karbon customers to lead successful, independent lives with a brand new career.
With flexible working hours and 26 days paid holiday (plus bank holidays), an apprenticeship with Karbon offers successful candidates the chance to study whilst gaining valuable experience and contributing to the success of a fast-paced, organisation that is constantly growing and changing.
To find out more about our apprenticeship opportunities, visit our apprenticeship page.
Our in-person social befriending programmeSilver Friends has already had lots of success bringing people together in County Durham. This year, thanks to a funding boost, it’s now making its way to West Northumberland.
This week is National Apprenticeship Week, an annual celebration that highlights the positive impact of apprenticeships on individuals, businesses and the economy.
This year’s theme is “Skills for Life,” emphasising how apprenticeships develop essential skills for their careers and personal growth.
Karbon colleagues Toni Major and Jay Brennan have experienced this first hand after completing their apprenticeships last year and getting full time roles at Karbon as joiners.
It's like one big Karbon family
“Being able to earn and learn whilst gaining hands on experience on the job was so beneficial,” said Jay “We were massively supported by Karbon and our college as well, it really helped get a better understanding of what’s needed from you and how to do your role.”
“The support from my manager and colleagues was great,” added Toni “Not just on the joinery side but on the mental side as well. If I was getting stressed on the job, they would support me as much as I needed and make sure I understood everything. It gave me a massive boost of confidence.”
Both Toni and Jay were thrilled when they found out they’d managed to get full time roles at Karbon.
“I was ecstatic,” said Jay “I was so happy and excited to be kept on and continue working with the team that I’ve basically learned nearly everything off in the past two years. They’re not just colleagues, it’s a real team that’s nice to be part of. I come to work and I feel excited.”
“It’s also about being financially stable,” said Toni. “I’ve got two kids and the house so having this job really helps with that.”
“It's like one big Karbon family. We both did two years of joinery before as full time courses and you don't learn anywhere nearly the amount you learn when you're on the job. You’re also supported with learning the health and safety aspects of the role so you get a full insight into the job.”
Find out more about Toni's apprenticeship journey in this video:
A big step on the career ladder
Ollie Porter from Prudhoe and Will Kidman from Ovingham both started their apprenticeship journeys with Karbon last year. They see their apprenticeships as a big first step on their career journeys.
Will, an Apprentice Plasterer said: “I live in a Karbon home and I’ve had chats with people who’ve worked at Karbon for 50 years. They both spoke really highly of it. They both started as apprentices and developed their careers over that time. That really appealed to me.”
Ollie, an Apprentice Heating Engineer has been enjoying working with the team “I’ve been able to learn something new every day and that’s what I love about it. Being able to learn from people who’ve had 30 plus years’ experience is something you can’t buy.”
“I feel honoured to have been given this opportunity,” said Will. “To know they’ve picked me and want to give me the chance to prove myself is amazing. They’ve taken a massive leap of faith in taking us on and we want to return that favour.”
Our apprenticeship programmes offer more than just a job. It’s an opportunity for Karbon customers to lead successful, independent lives with a brand new career.
With flexible working hours and 26 days paid holiday (plus bank holidays), an apprenticeship with Karbon offers successful candidates the chance to study whilst gaining valuable experience and contributing to the success of a fast-paced, organisation that is constantly growing and changing.
To find out more about our apprenticeship opportunities, visit our apprenticeship page.
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You’ve got a friend in NE
Our in-person social befriending programme Silver Friends has already had lots of success bringing people together in County Durham. This year, thanks to a funding boost, it’s now making its way to West Northumberland.
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