Businesses are being encouraged to take part in this year’s National Apprenticeship Week following the launch of a new online toolkit.

The online kit has been designed to help potential participants get involved with the week by aiding the organisation of activities based around the theme of “Great Apprenticeships”.

The activities are to be used to showcase the idea that apprenticeships can work well for both businesses and individual trainees.

The week, now into its seventh year of running, is organised by the National Apprenticeship Service and is used to help portray the beneficial impact apprenticeships can have on those who adopt them.

“National Apprenticeship Week is a fantastic opportunity to shine the spotlight on Apprenticeships and how they help employers grow their own talent and provide a great opportunity for apprentices to earn while they learn,” said Karen Woodward, interim national Director of apprenticeships at the National Apprenticeship Service.

Beginning on 3 March, the week uses a variety of different methods to encourage businesses to become more active in the positive portrayal of apprenticeships.

One such method involves businesses arranging for members of their management to take part in job-swaps with their apprentices, while companies are also encouraged to host open days to help showcase the work of trainees.

The use of social media and new technologies is also being encouraged, with Twitter being used to broadcast images of products developed by apprentices.

More information on National Apprenticeship Week and the online toolkit is available to view here.