National Apprenticeship Week 2026: Going Out of Our Way to Build Careers

National Apprenticeship Week is a UK-wide celebration of apprenticeships and the difference they make, not just to individuals starting out in their careers, but to businesses and communities too. It’s all about shining a light on real opportunities, hands-on learning, and the long-term value of investing in people from day one.

At The Hireman, apprenticeships have been part of our journey for a long time. Since we started back in 1985, we’ve had many young people walk through our doors at the very beginning of their working lives. Over the years, those first steps have turned into careers built on experience, confidence, and pride in a job well done – all while staying true to our belief in going out of our way to help our customers since 1985.

Looking back over nearly four decades, it’s clear that apprentices have helped shape the business we are today. They’ve brought fresh thinking, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn, while benefiting from the support, knowledge, and opportunities that come with being part of a growing company. National Apprenticeship Week gives us a great chance to celebrate those stories and the people behind them – both past and present.

Deniss Kirillovs, IT Apprentice:

“I’ve had a really rewarding time working at The Hireman as an IT apprentice. Coming from a background in Computer Games Programming and Design, it’s been eye-opening to learn how important IT is within this industry. Working as part of a small IT team meant I was involved in a wide range of tasks, from front-end user support to the back-end management of systems, as well as hands-on work setting up new hardware and devices. The team supported me throughout my journey and gave me the chance to get involved in projects, including leading the launch of our centralised asset management and ticketing system, GLPI. Being able to learn, test, and configure the system to meet our needs is something I’m really proud of.”

Paul Scott, Head of Digital:

“Supporting the next generation really matters to us. The Hireman has a long tradition of giving young people the chance to take their first steps in their careers, and it’s something we genuinely care about. Offering Deniss a role in our IT Support team is especially rewarding, as it shows there are different pathways into the hire industry – and it’s great to be part of that journey.”

Nathanael Mourou, Workshop Fitter (Recently graduated apprentice):

“I knew when I finished school that I wanted to do something hands-on, so I was searching for apprenticeships on the government website and came across The Hireman. I initially joined to work in the warehouse, but things quickly progressed and I was given the opportunity to move into a workshop role. I learned quickly about the equipment I was servicing and the tools I needed to do the job. I’m really proud of the portfolio I put together to gain my qualifications, and just as proud of the work I do to help the team make sure our kit is in top condition, ready to go back on hire for our customers.”

Tony Scott, Depot Manager:

“Nathanael’s apprenticeship has been a real success. He’s developed the skills needed for the role and has shown a strong work ethic throughout. Seeing him progress into a full-time position as a workshop fitter highlights the value of apprenticeships and the long-term opportunities they can create within the business.”

If you’re interested in an apprenticeship with The Hireman or know someone who would be, you can register your interest by visiting our careers page.