The Big Apprenticeship Thank You Returns for 2026 – Here’s How You Can Get Involved
26/11/2025
We’re excited to share this announcement from Lifetime Training about The Big Apprenticeship Thank You 2026. As a proud partner, the Association of Apprentices is helping apprentices access these fantastic rewards.
✅ To take part, apprentices must register and validate their apprentice status via AoA.
📅 Registration opens on 1 December 2025 and closes on 6 February 2026.
📅 Registration opens on 1 December 2025 and closes on 6 February 2026.
“The Big Apprenticeship Thank You” Returns: Free Coffee, £5 Pizza, and Supermarket Vouchers Headline 2026 Celebration
26 November 2025 – Following a hugely successful inaugural year, The Big Apprenticeship Thank You is back and bigger, with a mission to double its impact and reward over 10,000 apprentices across the UK. Powered by the UK’s largest apprenticeship provider, Lifetime Training, the initiative aims to give apprentices the tangible ‘thank you’ they deserve during National Apprenticeship Week 2026.
Last year saw over 5,000 apprentices sign up. This year, the scheme is expanding its list of exclusive rewards, bringing in new high-street giants Tesco and Gymshark alongside popular food and leisure brands like Pret, Nando’s, Wingstop, Marston’s, Mitchells & Butlers, Greene King, Hilton, Prezzo, and many more, to offer genuine savings and treats.
A Bigger, Better Thank You
The 2026 initiative is packed with concrete rewards for the apprentices who form the engine of the UK economy:
- Free treats: Apprentices can claim a free barista-made hot drink at Pret on Friday, 13 February, between 10:00 and 12:00.
- Dining discounts: Enjoy a regular-sized classic pizza for just £5.00 at Prezzo for four days, from Sunday 8 to Wednesday 11 February.
- Multiple chances to win: Apprentices who sign up are automatically entered into prize draws, including the chance to win a £100 gift voucher from Tesco, £50 vouchers from Nando’s, and two tickets to ABBA Voyage.
- Health and fitness: A free session at any GLL centre during National Apprenticeship Week (9–15 February).
From 1 December 2025 to 6 February 2026, anyone currently undertaking an apprenticeship will be able to register online to unlock these exclusive offers and discounts for use during National Apprenticeship Week (9–15 February 2026).
Dan Howard, Partnership Development Director at Lifetime, said:
“Creating this initiative is something I am extremely proud of. The goal this year remains unchanged: to make sure every apprentice knows their hard work is valued. By bringing in major retailers like Tesco and Gymshark, and expanding on popular rewards like the free coffee from Pret and discounted pizza from Prezzo, we’re giving a tangible ‘thank you’ that makes a real difference. We were thrilled with over 5,000 sign-ups last year, and we are determined to reach 10,000 this time to celebrate even more of the learners who are driving our economy forward.”
“Creating this initiative is something I am extremely proud of. The goal this year remains unchanged: to make sure every apprentice knows their hard work is valued. By bringing in major retailers like Tesco and Gymshark, and expanding on popular rewards like the free coffee from Pret and discounted pizza from Prezzo, we’re giving a tangible ‘thank you’ that makes a real difference. We were thrilled with over 5,000 sign-ups last year, and we are determined to reach 10,000 this time to celebrate even more of the learners who are driving our economy forward.”
The initiative continues to be supported by sector bodies, including Youth Employment UK and the Association of Apprentices. To access the offers, apprentices must register online and validate their apprentice status via the Association of Apprentices.
Laura-Jane Rawlings MBE DL, CEO, Youth Employment UK, said:
“We are excited to see the return of The Big Apprenticeship Thank You for 2026. Apprenticeships are a core path to career development, and this campaign is a fantastic way to offer genuine celebration and recognition. By providing everything from discounted meals to prize draws for supermarket vouchers, this initiative addresses the real-world needs of apprentices and underscores their vital contribution to businesses across the UK.”
“We are excited to see the return of The Big Apprenticeship Thank You for 2026. Apprenticeships are a core path to career development, and this campaign is a fantastic way to offer genuine celebration and recognition. By providing everything from discounted meals to prize draws for supermarket vouchers, this initiative addresses the real-world needs of apprentices and underscores their vital contribution to businesses across the UK.”
Key Offers and Partners
- Pret: Free barista-made hot drink (13 Feb)
- Prezzo: Regular-sized classic pizza for £5 (8–11 Feb)
- Tesco: Chance to win a £100 gift voucher
- GLL: Free session during NAW 2026
- Plus more offers from Nando’s, Hilton, Greene King, Marston’s, and others.
About Lifetime
Lifetime is an apprenticeship training provider on a mission to create tomorrow’s workforce through learning. We work with hospitality, retail, care, and early years organisations to help them recruit, develop, and retain the workforce they need, both for today and for tomorrow. Over 10,000 people trust Lifetime to change their life through an apprenticeship every year, and we are developing skills in the most vital sectors to the UK economy.
Contact: Jordan Hopkinson jordan.hopkinson@lifetimetraining.co.uk