Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week

February 2026

This National Apprenticeship Week (9–15 February 2026), EX2 Group is spotlighting the importance of apprenticeships in shaping the next generation of skilled professionals in the electrical and engineering sectors.

National Apprenticeship Week is an annual celebration recognising the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses, and the wider economy.

At EX2 Group, apprenticeships play a central role in workforce development and long-term business sustainability. The company currently supports 10 apprentices across different year groups and disciplines, many of whom go on to secure permanent roles within the business upon completion of their training. Several members of EX2’s leadership team, including two directors, began their own careers as apprentices — reinforcing the value of learning the trade from the ground up.

Apprenticeship Pathway with Exeter College

In partnership with Exeter College, EX2 apprentices combine structured academic study with practical, site-based experience. The Level 3 Electrical Installation Advanced Apprenticeship equips learners with the technical competencies required to install, maintain, inspect, test and certify electrical systems across domestic, commercial and industrial environments.

Apprentices attend college on a day-release basis while working on live projects alongside experienced electricians and site supervisors, gaining exposure to real-world constraints, coordination challenges and professional standards from day one.

Currently, EX2 apprentices are contributing on site at the Nightingale Exeter site where they are involved in enabling works and installation for a new building.

Christian (pictured right), a first-year apprentice from Exeter College currently working on the RDUH site, shared his experience:

“I’m in my first year with EX2 Group and I go to Exeter College one day a week. I’ve already completed my Level 2 so I can focus on building my practical skills on site. Being here every day really helps you understand how projects work and how the team roles work together.”

Christian has been on the current site for three weeks and is gaining hands-on experience supporting enabling works and installation tasks.

Josh Staves (pictured left), Site Supervisor at EX2 Group, who was also progressed through the apprenticeship route, spoke about the benefits of learning on site:

“I came through as an apprentice with EX2 as well. With apprenticeships, you can see a project all the way through - you expose yourself to the environment daily. When you qualify, you’re already entrenched in the industry, and experience different sites and client requirements first-hand, while you’re learning.’

He also commented on Christian’s progression:

“He’s good! He listens, turns up on time and gets stuck in. That’s what you want from a first-year.”

EX2 Director James Freemantle (pictured centre), who also began his career as an apprentice, reflected on the long-term value of vocational training:

“My apprenticeship gave me the foundation and confidence to grow within this industry. Apprenticeships expose you to the realities of site work early on - the coordination, the problem-solving, the responsibility. That experience is invaluable.”

James also highlighted the company’s commitment to developing future talent:

“We’ve got ten apprentices at the moment across different years, and we support them throughout their full training. Our aim is always to develop skilled engineers who can build long-term careers with EX2 Group.”

EX2 Group’s continued investment in apprenticeships ensures the business remains technically strong, sustainable, and rooted in practical expertise. During National Apprenticeship Week, the company celebrates not only the achievements of its current apprentices but also the long-standing pathway that has shaped its leadership and workforce.

For more information about careers and apprenticeships with EX2 Group, visit our Careers page or contact the team directly.