More than 1,000 young people are on target for a successful
career thanks to the apprenticeship programme at Stoke on Trent
College.
Stoke on Trent College is the biggest provider of
apprenticeships in the region and has forged partnerships with many
of Staffordshire's major employers.
A series of events have been organised to showcase National
Apprenticeship Week in the Stoke-on-Trent area.
"Young people in North Staffordshire can choose from a huge
range of vocational courses which lead to a job," said Andy
Greenhough, Director of Employer Engagement.
"During the current academic year the college will have worked
with 1,100 apprentices and we work with 600 employers including
firms such as Johnson Tiles, BT, Balfour Beatty and other large
employers such as the University Hospital North Staffordshire and
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service."
Studies show that apprenticeships are both good for the
apprentice and employers.
They produce loyal, highly productive workers who are a long
term asset to business.
Heath House Farm, Forsbrook, recently took on Christopher
Colley, an apprentice chef.
"I would recommend taking on an apprentice to anyone, it is good
for the business and good for the apprentice," said Arthur Doherty,
who runs the restaurant, tea room and garden nursery with his wife
Sue.
"The business has to develop and taking on an apprentice was
part of that development. We can train Christopher to meet our
standards and as time goes on he will take on more responsibility
and bring in fresh ideas to the business.
"He understands the opportunity he has here and I can see the
change in him over recent months. He has had excellent coaching
through the apprenticeship and he has grown in confidence."
An apprenticeship advice evening is being held between 5pm and
8pm at Stoke on Trent College's Cauldon and Burslem campuses on
Wednesday, February 8.
The events will have information available for both people
looking to become an apprentice and employers.
The advice evening is part of the college's programme of events
for National Apprenticeship Week.
The college is sponsoring a Business Talk Lunch being held by
the North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Staffordshire Local
Employment Partnership at the New Victoria Theatre on Thursday, 9
February (12 - 2pm).
An apprentice showcase for retail and distribution trades will
be held at The Store, Tontine Street, Hanley, on Friday, February
10, between 10am and 4pm.
A Hairdresser's taster day takes place at the Cauldon Campus on
Saturday, February 11. The event is by invitation only, with
potential students who have expressed an interest in a career in
hairdressing at school events receiving invitations to attend.