Staffordshire celebrates National Apprenticeship Week with host of events

A variety of events have been held in Staffordshire to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, starting today.

Events organised by Staffordshire Provider Network, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Careers Hub and the Skills Hub Apprenticeships, at the Bet365 Stadium in Stoke-on-Trent on 11 February and at the New Beacon Conference Centre in Stafford on 12 February, will promote the benefits of apprenticeships to over 1000 students. 

Attendees will have the chance to meet training providers and employers.

Other events during the week include the University of Staffordshire Apprenticeship Fair on 8 February. 

On 12 February, Wombourne High School in conjunction with The Careers and Enterprise Company and West Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, will deliver employer led sessions throughout the day, promoting apprenticeships to year 9 students and linking them to their GCSE options. 

A series of live webinars will also give both pupils and employers the chance to find out more about the benefits of apprenticeships.

 The date for the county’s annual apprenticeship graduation Ceremony has also been announced as part of the celebration. 

The event being held at the County Showground on Tuesday 15 July will celebrate the county’s apprentices. 

People can book their place on the Staffordshire apprenticeship graduation here.

Keir McClusky, Alex Harris and Joe are three Staffordshire apprentices joining in the celebrations for this year’s National Apprenticeship Week.

The trio, currently undertaking apprenticeships with Staffordshire County Council, are sharing their stories as part of this year’s campaign, which starts today.

Alex Harris(pictured) from Stafford is a civil engineering apprentice with the county council and is keen to promote the benefits to others, including employers.

The 37-year-old works with highways colleagues and helps to implement infrastructure projects like new roads, roundabouts, and junctions for housing developments. 

Alex said: “I’m really glad that I chose the apprenticeship route.  It’s a five-year course and it’s pretty demanding, but once completed I’ll be an accredited civil engineer.

“I’m on a degree-level apprenticeship where I attend university one day a week, work for the county council 4 days a week and study for a few hours in the evening or over the weekend. 

“There’s a good mix of theory and maths to grasp but working on the four days gives me the chance to put what I’ve learned into practice.  I’d definitely recommend apprenticeships for people and for employers.”

With over 700 different apprenticeships on offer, they remain key to growing the county’s economy. 

Completing apprenticeships of increasing levels, from GCSE level right up to the equivalent of a master’s degree, also means that people can take the next step in their career.

Philip White, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Economy and Skills at Staffordshire County Council, said: “Apprenticeships can help employers access diverse, motivated and skilled talent and bring new ideas into the business. 

“Research shows that those that invest in an apprenticeship scheme see higher productivity whilst future-proofing their business with a skilled workforce. 

“In similar research, 90 per cent of apprentices are offered a permanent job during or after they’ve completed their apprenticeship and over 80 per cent of employers and apprentices said they were satisfied with their apprenticeships.

“Taking on an apprentice can be easier than you think and I’d urge businesses to contact the Ladder for Staffordshire who can guide and support them through the process.”

Employers interested in taking on an apprentice can get support from Ladder for Staffordshire - Creating new Apprenticeships or by calling 03332 409 699.

Employers wanting to support local schools can also contact: StokeStaffsCareersHub@staffordshire.gov.uk