Celebrating Hampshire apprentices with continued investment in local skills, communities and future talent

As organisations across the UK mark National Apprenticeship Week 2026, Hampshire County Council is celebrating the important role apprenticeships play in growing talent and supporting the local economy to thrive

Feb 9 2026

Since the Apprenticeship Levy – a levy paid by large employers to spend on apprenticeship training – began in 2017, the County Council has invested over £28m in supporting 3,261 apprentices across 184 different programmes. The most popular apprenticeships have included teaching assistant, social worker, teacher, business administrator and project manager.

As part of its commitment to developing future talent, the County Council also supports small and medium sized businesses through its Apprenticeship Levy Transfer scheme. This allows smaller employers to apply for unused levy funds from larger organisations, to cover training costs for their apprentices.

Councillor Liz Fairhurst, Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Services - People, and Member and Cabinet Development, said: “Apprenticeships give people of all ages the chance to gain recognised qualifications while contributing to vital services in their communities, and are becoming an increasingly popular route into further training and career development.  By investing in local talent and supporting local employers, we help ensure that skills and economic benefits stay within our region.

“National Apprenticeship Week is a great opportunity to celebrate this impact and reaffirm our commitment to creating opportunities that help people thrive and Hampshire prosper.”

Information on Hampshire County Council’s Apprenticeship opportunities is available here

Businesses interested in finding out more about how Hampshire County Council can support employers to access levy funding with the Apprenticeship Funding for Business Transfer Scheme can contact us at: [email protected]

To find out more about apprenticeships visit Amazing Apprenticeships