19 February 2025

Rockley is proud to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2025, taking place from February 10-16, highlighting the vital role apprenticeships play in shaping future careers and strengthening industries.
 
Apprenticeships provide a clear pathway for individuals who have a strong vision for their future careers, offering a hands-on approach to learning that benefits both apprentices and businesses. By combining practical experience with structured training, apprenticeships enable employees to develop essential skills while contributing to business growth. 

Rockley’s hugely popular Level 3 Outdoor Instructor Apprenticeship has once again been recognised among the Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers for the second consecutive year. This accolade reflects Rockley’s commitment to providing outstanding and diverse opportunities for young people, empowering them to achieve their career goals in the outdoor, adventure, and marine industries.
 
A key part of Rockley’s success is its collaborative approach, working with Flying Fish, Bournemouth & Poole College, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), and other leading industry organisations. These partnerships not only offer invaluable networking opportunities but also ensure that apprentices receive meaningful and effective training, giving them the skills and connections necessary to thrive in their chosen careers.
 
The significance of apprenticeships continues to grow across the UK, with 736,525 individuals participating in apprenticeship programmes in the 2023/24 academic year. This included 339,582 new apprenticeship starts and 178,224 completions, reinforcing the increasing demand for skilled training programmes*.
 
Additionally, higher apprenticeships (Levels 4-7) saw an 8.1% increase in starts during the first quarter of 2024/25, with Level 6 and 7 apprenticeships (equivalent to degree-level qualifications) accounting for 19.2% of all new starts. These statistics highlight the rising recognition of apprenticeships as an alternative to traditional academic routes, offering practical career development pathways.**
 
“At Rockley, we believe in investing in the future workforce through high-quality apprenticeship programmes that equip individuals with industry-relevant skills and real-world experience. Our continued recognition as a top apprenticeship employer reflects our dedication to inspiring the next generation of outdoor instructors, marine professionals, and adventure industry leaders.” Clare Hicks, Head of Education
 
As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2025, we encourage young people and businesses to explore the vast opportunities apprenticeships offer - whether as a pathway to career success or a means to develop skilled professionals for a thriving industry.
 
Rockley is a leading provider of outdoor and watersports training, committed to delivering high-quality education and career development opportunities. With a strong focus on collaboration and innovation, Rockley provides industry-leading apprenticeship programmes that equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in their chosen fields.
 
For more information about Rockley’s apprenticeship programs, click here.