Staffordshire University
Staffordshire University has recently welcomed its first intake of apprentices, joining its diverse 1,800-strong workforce. The University recruited a cohort of six Business Administration apprentices, three starting work at its Stoke campus and the remainder at Stafford.
Benefits
Marj Spiller, Head of Professional Development, believes the introduction of an Apprenticeship programme will benefit the University and the local community alike.
“The University has always tried to recruit from all pools of available talent and, in 2008, we decided to introduce an Apprenticeship scheme as a means of recruiting motivated young people,” she said.
“We see a number of benefits emerging from the decision to recruit apprentices. The structure of the University lends itself to giving them a rounded learning experience because they will have the opportunity to spend time learning how to adapt readily to the needs of different faculties, schools and services. That broad experience will equip them with the transferable skills and knowledge to work flexibly in a variety of situations.
Succession Planning
“That process of learning from many different colleagues will benefit both the apprentice and the University alike because it offers the opportunity for skills and knowledge to be transferred from experienced staff and retained, helping us in our succession planning.
“Another benefit is that the Apprenticeship offers us an extended range of accredited work-based learning opportunities for young people – currently under-represented among University staff.
And Marj says the University, in introducing an Apprenticeship programme has been mindful of its role as a major employer in the county.
“This provides an important opportunity to raise our profile as an employer within the local community,” she said.
“The whole process of raising awareness of Apprenticeships and selecting and recruiting enthusiastic apprentices will strengthen our links with local schools and learning providers and enable us to ‘grow our own’ talent, familiar with the culture and practice of the University.
Apprentices
Kieran Lally is believed to be the University’s youngest new recruit having only celebrated his 16th birthday last June [2008] and is delighted to have gained an Apprenticeship place, working initially in the University’s careers service.
Kieran, said: “College was a bit too much like school and I wanted to get out into the big wide world. My dad was an apprentice and his advice was to get a job as soon as I can. He’s an electrician which is very hands-on whereas I’m a bit more academic so, as I’m getting the NVQ, this Apprenticeship’s ideal for me.”
Natasha Simanwe had been on the Prince’s Trust scheme before applying for one of the University Apprenticeships.
“We had to do a residential and work on lots of key skills with a view to getting a new job or further study. I didn’t really like the course I was on at college and wanted to work rather than sitting in a classroom,” said the Stafford 18-year-old, who is working as part of the University’s enterprise and commercial development team.
Last Updated: 23/05/2012