Ladder for Staffordshire: Apprentices graduate in style

Representatives from the Express & Star campaign promoted apprenticeships at the flagship event at the Staffordshire County Showground.

Young people with their families joined local employers and training providers for the celebration.

Staffordshire County Council skills boss councillor Ben Adams said: "Addressing skills shortages and providing young people with the right training to get quality jobs is a key part of the county's plans to grow Staffordshire's economy.

Apprenticeships play just as important a role as graduates in growing our economy and in particular increasing the number of specialised and highly-skilled apprenticeships remains a priority."

At the event, apprenticeships were championed by engineering firm KMF. Training manager Jenny Conlon said: "I work with a network of companies who are fully committed to offering young people fantastic opportunities through an apprenticeship programme.

"Holding a graduation ceremony for apprentices reinforces just how important apprenticeships are.

Last year more than 11,000 people started an apprenticeship in Staffordshire, nearly double that of five years ago. And, the number of higher level apprentices continues to grow along with the number of new apprenticeships in high-tech engineering.

The Ladder for Staffordshire is a partnership between the Express & Star, training provider PTP, the Vine Trust charity, and the Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce.

Its aim is to get businesses to take on an apprentice to reduce youth unemployment.

Since its launch last month, more than 50 jobs have been created.

It comes after the Ladder for the Black Country, also run by the Express & Star, has created more than 500 apprenticeships.

Higher Apprenticeships are now available at a range of levels, from the equivalent of a foundation degree to a bachelor's degree and even master's degree level in some sectors.

Mark Gater, aged 21, from Penkridge, completed his level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Children and Young People's Workforce. He said: "I would thoroughly recommend an apprenticeship to anyone as it allows you to gain paid employment doing something you love whilst gaining a qualification in that area and there is a very high chance of getting a job out of it in the end."

And Rebecca Bright, aged 22, from Stafford completed an NVQ level 2 and 3 in business administration with Staffordshire County Council.

She said: "I loved being an apprentice, it helped me build my confidence up, develop skills and find a career path I was interested in. It was really motivating to get paid at the same time as learning new skills. One of the best skills I developed was team building and communication with other colleagues. I would really recommend doing an apprenticeship, It's a great way to develop skills, earn while you learn and start out on a career ladder."

To get an apprenticeship or to take on an apprentice call 03332 409 699 or go to ladderforstaffordshire.co.uk/