South Staffordshire College Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week

South Staffordshire College has had an excellent start to National Apprenticeship Week, 6-10th February, where two of the College’s apprentices were successfully recognised for their outstanding contribution in their places of employment at the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Apprenticeship Recognition Awards.

The College is hosting a series of Employer Apprenticeship events to raise awareness and help local companies understand the benefits that apprentices can bring to their businesses.  As part of the programme, Deputy Principal Mark Robertson welcomed local MP Aidan Burley to the College to enjoy a day in life of a Painting and Decorating apprentice.

South Staffordshire College has an excellent track record in providing quality Apprenticeships, recently securing two large Horticulture Apprenticeship contracts with Stoke Council and grounds maintenance company Greenfingers offering over 80 places for trainees.  It has also revamped the Engineering Apprenticeship at its Tamworth Campus which has resulted in an increase in demand for places and more and more employers turning to the Apprenticeship scheme to fill their vacancies.

The first Employer Apprenticeship event, “Making Apprenticeships Work for Your Business” took place on 10th February at the College’s Cannock Campus.  Two further are planned for March, 8th at Stafford Showground and 13th at Drayton Manor Park.

James Whybrow, Director of Workforce Development at South Staffordshire College, is leading the initiative.  “Apprenticeships bring considerable value to organisations, employers, individuals and ensure our local economy remains competitive. Businesses across the region are now increasingly realising the enormous benefits that Apprenticeships create, not only in terms of highly skilled workforce but also by boosting productivity and staff retention”.

If you are interested in becoming an apprentice or would like to attend one of the Employer Apprenticeship events, please email apprenticeships@southstaffs.ac.uk

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