Posted on Friday 7th February 2025
Keir McClusky
Keir McClusky, Alex Harris and Joe are three Staffordshire apprentices joining in the celebrations for this year’s National Apprenticeship Week.
The trio, currently undertaking apprenticeships with Staffordshire County Council, are sharing their stories as part of this year’s campaign, which starts on Monday 10 February.
Events organised by Staffordshire Provider Network, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Careers Hub and the Skills Hub Apprenticeships, at the Bet365 Stadium in Stoke-on-Trent on 11 February and at the New Beacon Conference Centre in Stafford on 12 February, will promote the benefits of apprenticeships to over 1000 students. Attendees will have the chance to meet training providers and employers.
Other events during the week include the University of Staffordshire Apprenticeship Fair on 8 February. On 12 February, Wombourne High School in conjunction with The Careers and Enterprise Company and West Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, will deliver employer led sessions throughout the day, promoting apprenticeships to year 9 students and linking them to their GCSE options. A series of live webinars will also give both pupils and employers the chance to find out more about the benefits of apprenticeships.
The date for the county’s annual apprenticeship graduation Ceremony has also been announced as part of the celebration. The event being held at the County Showground on Tuesday 15 July will celebrate the county’s apprentices.
People can book their place on the Staffordshire apprenticeship graduation here.
Alex Harris from Stafford is a Civil Engineering Apprentice with the county council and is keen to promote the benefits to others, including employers.
The 37-year-old works with highways colleagues and helps to implement infrastructure projects like new roads, roundabouts, and junctions for housing developments.
Alex said:
I’m really glad that I chose the apprenticeship route. It’s a five-year course and it’s pretty demanding, but once completed I’ll be an accredited civil engineer.
I’m on a degree-level apprenticeship where I attend university one day a week, work for the county council 4 days a week and study for a few hours in the evening or over the weekend. There’s a good mix of theory and maths to grasp but working on the four days gives me the chance to put what I’ve learned into practice. I’d definitely recommend apprenticeships for people and for employers.”
With over 700 different apprenticeships on offer, they remain key to growing the county’s economy. Completing apprenticeships of increasing levels, from GCSE level right up to the equivalent of a master’s degree, also means that people can take the next step in their career.
Philip White, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Economy and Skills at Staffordshire County Council, said:
Once again we are pleased to be supporting National Apprenticeship Week and celebrating the huge contributions apprenticeships make for both workers and companies.
Apprenticeships can help employers access diverse, motivated and skilled talent and bring new ideas into the business. Research shows that those that invest in an apprenticeship scheme see higher productivity whilst future-proofing their business with a skilled workforce. In similar research, 90% of apprentices are offered a permanent job during or after they’ve completed their apprenticeship and over 80% of employers and apprentices said they were satisfied with their apprenticeships.
Taking on an apprentice can be easier than you think and I’d urge businesses to contact the Ladder for Staffordshire who can guide and support them through the process.”
Forty-two-year-old Keir McCluskey, from Blythe Bridge, is a team leader with the county’s registration service. Keir is in his final year of a level 6 Chartered Managers Degree Apprenticeship with the University of Staffordshire, having previously completed a Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship in 2023.
Talking about his apprenticeship, he said:
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my apprenticeship and it’s been a great way of achieving my qualification and career goal.
The course balances theory with work-based tasks, which really shows how to practically use what has been taught. It’s given me some invaluable skills around management and getting the most out of your team. It also helps bring in new ideas to the business including, in my case, the digitisation of our Citizenship ceremony booking process, which makes it easier for customers.”
Having recently completed his Level 3 Library Information and Archives Services Assistant Apprenticeship with the county council, Joe is a key player in the team, dealing with general library enquiries, bus pass applications and renewal, help with IT, promoting library events on social media and supporting library reading groups service.
The 19-year-old said:
I started this apprenticeship after finishing school. Because it’s a public facing role, it has really helped me improve on my overall confidence.
The flexibility and variety of the role is also great, including the fact that I can complete my course work during work hours. Every day is different, and I help people from all walks of life. I would highly recommend apprenticeships to school leavers or anyone looking to upskill.”
Employers interested in taking on an apprentice can get support from Ladder for Staffordshire - Creating new Apprenticeships or by calling 03332 409 699.
Employers wanting to support local schools can also contact: StokeStaffsCareersHub@staffordshire.gov.uk
Anyone interested in exploring the apprenticeship option should visit the Staffordshire Jobs and Careers Service.