Staffordshire University is teaming up with Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce on a series of events to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week
Capula employee Sally Parker was named Higher and Degree Apprentice of the Year 2021
We want to show how employing apprentices can benefit businesses large and small and how increasingly employers are using apprentices to fill skills gaps and revitalise their workforce.
The university currently delivers more than 20 different higher and degree apprenticeships to more than 200 employers including police forces, NHS, BT, Merlin Entertainments and Bentley Motors.
Free online events taking place across the week, and hosted by Staffordshire Chambers, aim to provide businesses and employers with a wealth of information about apprenticeships which offer individuals the opportunity to earn while they learn.
Maighread Hegarty, Staffordshire University Associate Dean of Apprenticeships said: “We want to show how employing apprentices can benefit businesses large and small and how increasingly employers are using apprentices to fill skills gaps and revitalise their workforce.”
“We are holding events in which we aim to demystify the apprenticeship levy and how to access funding and we also have a panel discussion with local business leaders Gareth Higgins MBE from KMF and Steve Tellwright from Capula who will be sharing their own experience of how apprenticeships have worked for them.”
As part of the week, Staffordshire University will be providing afternoon tea for around 200 of its apprenticeship students.
Maighread added: “We are immensely proud of our student apprentices and were fortunate to see a good many of them graduate at our Award Ceremonies in November.
“Among them was Capula employee Sally Parker who was named Higher and Degree Apprentice of the Year at the Nuclear Skills Awards 2021 as well as graduating with a first-class degree in Digital and Technology Solutions.”
“2022 is going to be a big year for the University as we open our Catalyst building and we hope to partner with more employers to trailblaze new apprenticeships that help us to address skills shortages in the region.”
Mentoring Growth Project Manager for Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Tom Nadin said:“The recruitment market in Staffordshire is facing significant challenges, with many local businesses finding it difficult and expensive to recruit new employees with desired skills sets. Therefore, we are delighted to be partnering with Staffordshire University to help local businesses to find a solution.
“Hiring an apprentice or upskilling existing staff members through Higher Level Apprenticeships are productive ways to grow a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce, whilst also achieving longer term regional objectives of raising aspirations and boosting prosperity in the county.”