National Apprenticeship Week is the biggest celebration of apprenticeships and skills in the calendar. Now in its 19th year, the theme for 2026 is ‘Skills for Life’, is focusing on opening doors to exciting and rewarding careers, helping businesses build future-ready workforces, and supporting the economy by upskilling and addressing priority skills gaps. 

We encourage everyone to celebrate how apprenticeships and skills help individuals reach their full potential while breaking down barriers across industry. 

Membership with the Institute provides support in enriching both professional and academic development – benefits such as free Back-to-Basics webinars hosted by the Younger Members’ Committee (YMC) and guidance and advice from ASSET (Association for Skills, Education and Training) ensure that the role The Welding Institute plays encompasses the needs of our younger members. Our Technical Group webinars are offered at a reduced rate for Student Members, providing the opportunity to gain in-depth technical insight from industry experts while earning points towards Continuous Professional Development (CPD). 

Additionally, joining a local branch allows apprentices to expand their networks beyond the workplace and training providers running regular online and in-person events on subjects such as friction welding, diffusion bonding and stainless steels.  

ASSET Members Chris Eady and Miles Goodwin share their thoughts on how the association supports apprentices in developing their careers and learning: 

How does ASSET’s collaboration between employers, training providers and colleges enhance the quality of apprenticeship training and help build a future-ready workforce? 

Like many contributors to ASSET (previously known as AWFTE), I began my engineering career as an apprentice and the learning has never stopped. 

Membership of a Professional Engineering Institution, such as The Welding Institute, provides access to library services, online resources, events, activities and networking opportunities that make Continuing Professional Development (CPD) both accessible and enjoyable. 

ASSET supports welding and fabrication trainers, lecturers, instructors, tutors and teachers in their own lifelong learning, enabling them to pass this knowledge on to their apprentices. 

Today’s apprentices are tomorrow’s trainers - learning Skills for Life that they will, in turn, pass on to others. 

EUR ING Chris Eady BSc (Hons) MSc CEng FIMechE FWeldI 

How do apprenticeships supported by ASSET help individuals develop their skills beyond initial qualifications into longer-term careers? 

ASSET acts as a signposting association, guiding apprentices and post-apprentices towards relevant further and higher education pathways including Level 4 and above, up to degree level. It provides information on course locations and available support, while connecting welding organisations, educational establishments, employers and individuals looking to advance their careers.

Miles Goodwin TechWeldI EngTech 

Through the work of ASSET and the Younger Members’ Committee, students and apprentices can make the most of their free student membership - helping you advance your learning journey completely free of charge. 

Interested in finding out more? 
Visit our Student Information page.