NEW figures reveal more than 2,000 16 to 18-year-olds across Staffordshire started an apprenticeship in 2010/11.
That represented a 21 per cent increase compared with the previous year – significantly higher than the national average of 13 per cent.
Josh Shaw-Harvey, left, and Andy Rafferty.
Josh Shaw-Harvey, left, and Andy Rafferty.
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The rise in university tuition fees is likely to mean that the 2011/12 figures are higher still. The Sentinel reported last week that almost 11,000 fewer students have applied for degree places at the area’s three universities.
And apprenticeships are beginning to shake off the perception that they are only for people interested in a career in construction or engineering – although of course employers in those sectors are still providing opportunities.
In North Staffordshire, firms dipping their toes into the apprenticeship water for the first time include The Hanley Economic Building Society and web design firm Cyberzia.
The Hanley, based at Festival Park, has just taken on three new recruits, including its first two apprentices – 17-year-old Lauren Ainsworth and 16-year-old Jordan Stevenson.
Over the next 12 months, three members of staff at the mutual are due to achieve 40 years’ service, two will achieve 25 years and five will achieve 20 years.
Human resources manager Cris Hammond said bringing in the apprentices would help give a good mix of experience and youth.
She said: “This is first time we’ve been involved with apprenticeships – we’ve done graduate placements before but they are obviously a bit older. Our eldest staff member is 74, so we’ve got really wide age range.
“Taking on apprentices gives you a chance to go back to basics and really develop people.
“Choosing Jordan and Lauren wasn’t easy . All the applicants were of a very high standard.”
Jordan and Lauren are completing NVQs in business administration and customer service, which are being delivered by Babington Business College’s base in Trent Vale.
Jordan, of Meir Hay, said: “I was at college until Christmas and then I decided to look at an apprenticeship.
“I thought it was a better way to get into employment because you’re getting experience.
“I’m really enjoying it so far. At college I didn’t feel like I was doing much – I’ve got a good work ethic so this is the best place for me to be.”
At Cyberzia in Longton, managing director Simon Nicklin is marking the firm’s 10th anniversary by launching an apprentice scheme to help aspiring web designers get their first step on the career ladder. He is aiming to recruit his first apprentice during the first quarter of 2012.
He said: “We are looking forward to welcoming our first apprentice as I am sure they will bring a new perspective and bags of enthusiasm.”
The national minimum wage for apprentices is £2.60 per hour, but as demonstrated at ARC iT Solutions in Shelton, there are opportunities to progress fairly quickly.
ARC’s first two apprentices have proved such a success that the firm is looking to take on a minimum of six more this year, as well as developing an in-house training centre.
Former IT engineering apprentice Josh Shaw-Harvey, who joined the firm in 2010, was highly commended at the National Apprenticeship Awards last year.
Managing director Andy Rafferty said: “Our previous two apprentices have now been taken on in permanent roles and are in the process of being promoted.”
