“The Big Apprenticeship Thank You” launched to recognise and celebrate apprentices nationwide

The Big Apprenticeship Thank you logo.

“The Big Apprenticeship Thank you” Press Release.

This National Apprenticeship Week (10th-16th February, 2025), the UK’s largest apprenticeship provider, Lifetime Training, is launching “The Big Apprenticeship Thank You” to highlight apprentice’s contribution to the national workforce. The scheme will see all apprentices offered the chance to access rewards and discounts from partner organisations such as Cineworld, Prezzo, Everyone Active, and Pret.

Between January 6th and February 5th, anyone currently undertaking an apprenticeship will be able to register to access discounts and exclusive offers for use between the 7th and 14th of February. The initiative is powered by Lifetime and supported by leading hospitality and leisure providers.

The Big Apprenticeship Thank You aims to go beyond traditional recognition and show thanks to over 70,000 learners who participate annually in over 700 apprenticeship standards, improving the productivity of their businesses and developing their own skills.

The initiative also has the backing of sector bodies including Youth Employment UK and the Association of Apprentices. All supporting organisations are united in celebrating not only the contribution of apprentices to their own business, but also to wider society.

To access the offers for use during National Apprenticeship Week, apprentices can register online and must validate their apprentice status via the Association of Apprentices. Membership is free and will enable apprentices to access the full range of discounts and offers, including discounts in restaurants, cut-price cinema tickets and more.

Dan Howard, Partnership Development Director at Lifetime, said:This campaign is all about not just celebrating apprentices, but really giving back. Across the UK in every sector, apprentices are juggling the demands of work and study, while developing their own skills for the long-term and supporting national economic growth. We’re delighted that so many of our partners recognise this invaluable contribution and have joined us in launching this initiative.

Laura-Jane Rawlings MBE DL, CEO, Youth Employment UK, said: “We are delighted to be supporting The Big Apprenticeship Thank You, we know how important apprentices are to business across the UK. This is a great moment to celebrate and say thank you to all of those who are committed to developing themselves, their careers, and their organisations through apprenticeships.

At Youth Employment UK we support millions of young people across the UK with careers inspiration, finding opportunities and skills development including apprenticeships. We also support employers through our Membership to develop and be recognised for their early career offerings. Our members are creating thousands of Apprenticeship Opportunities, so it is great to bring them together for The Big Apprenticeship Thank You”.

Marie Bhardwaj, Head of People Development, UK & Ireland, Cineworld, said:Apprentices are essential to the success of our business, and we are pleased to be able to reward their hard work and dedication by offering a unique experience at one of our Cinemas. Through The Big Apprenticeship Thank You, we can congratulate not only our own apprentices but also recognise anyone who has chosen to invest in their learning and development through an apprenticeship, nationwide.”

Notes to Editors

Find out more about The Big Thank You here:

Pret A Manger
Cineworld
Prezzo
Greene King
Mitchells and Butlers
Everyone Active
GLL

About Lifetime

Lifetime is one of the UK’s largest training providers, delivering innovative learning strategies through industry-experienced trainers, curriculum experts and leading-edge technology. Lifetime Training is a leading skills provider, offering high-quality training solutions across sectors which are vital to the health of the UK economy. Over 15,000 people a year choose to learn life-changing skills with Lifetime. Find out more.

For more information contact:

Katy Barney – katy@ambitiouspr.co.uk
Zoe Bagnall – zoe@ambitiouspr.co.uk

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Email us at info@youthemployment.org.uk or call 01536 513388.

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