The initiative, in its seventh year, had an overarching theme for 'great apprenticeships', looking to highlight the benefit of the schemes to both young people and organsiations.
More than 20,000 new apprenticeships have been pledged, with Lloyds Banking Group leading the way. It has announced plans for 5,000 new programmes.
Karen Woodward, deputy director for apprenticeships and employer policy implementation at the Skills Funding Agency, told HR magazine that the importance of the week-long event cannot be underestimated. "It's critical to raise awareness," she said. "The coverage it receives and the events held all contribute to the spike in interest we see the following week."
Woodward was keen to emphasise that the opportunities created are real jobs, not just meaningless work programmes.
"The roles that are being created are entry-level jobs. They're great opportunities in a range of areas," she said.
These areas include technology, engineering and IT. This week business secretary Vince Cable announced plans for high-level apprenticeships in skilled areas. Space engineering and nursing will be two sectors where degree-level vocational qualifications will be available.
He also said that apprenticeships have contributed £1.8 billion to the economy and declared 2014 a successful year for the programme.
"The Government is putting an end to the damaging divide between vocational and academic learning," Cable said. "Apprenticeships are deservedly becoming more popular with business of all sizes. With these further commitments, thousands more people will now be able to get the practical skills they need to build careers and help firms grow."
