The Class of 2023 celebrate reaching the end of their apprenticeships

More than 30 NSCG apprentices celebrated their achievements in a graduation ceremony that took place on June 27 at the County Showground, near Stafford.

Training providers, employers, family and friends proudly watched on as apprentices from Beauty, Business Admin, Engineering and Manufacturing, Teaching, Health & Social Care and many more sectors took to the stage to celebrate reaching the end of their apprenticeships.

Hosted by Staffordshire County Council, The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Apprenticeship Graduation saw more than 70 apprentices recognised for their achievements, with NSCG in attendance to witness an incredible 37 of their apprentices graduate.

As one of the region’s largest training providers, NSCG works with more than 800 employers across the region to nurture talent and help businesses meet their growth potential by providing high-calibre apprentices.

Many of the apprentices from NSCG have been working for a range of employers including Alleyne’s Academy, Francesco Group, Geens Chartered Accountants, Hitachi Energy, the Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Staffordshire County Council and West Midlands Police.

Additionally, NSCG had served as both the training provider and employer for four apprentices who graduated at the event. Amy Brian, Melissa Booth and Tara Lonsdale completed their apprenticeships in Business Administration at NSCG while Bethany McGowan completed the Professional Accounting Technician apprenticeship.

Following their training and graduating from the apprenticeship programme, the four will remain employed by the College.

Bethany said: “Completing my apprenticeship and attending the graduation was an incredible experience, it felt like all the hard work had paid off.

“The apprenticeship programme has been both rewarding and challenging at times but the support from my assessor at NSCG has been incredible and I’ve always felt like one of the team.

“If anyone is considering studying an apprenticeship I would say ‘go for it!’ Look into vacancies at NSCG or give the Apprenticeship Hub a call and find out more information about what’s involved. It is definitely worth it!”

Jane Tunnicliffe, Head of Employer Engagement & Training, said: “Every year we encourage our apprentices to attend the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Graduation Ceremony to celebrate their achievements with family, friends, employers and training providers.

“The occasion is a fantastic opportunity to bring achieving apprentices together to showcase the talents of Staffordshire and we couldn’t be prouder of our graduates. Congratulations to you all!”

Celebrant Elaine Bradbury served as the Master of Ceremonies and welcomed invited guests and key speakers including the leader of Staffordshire County Council, Councillor Alan White.

Graduates then received their certificates and heard from CEO of the Vine Trust Group and Chair of the Ladder Apprenticeship Foundation, Kevin Davis who gave an inspiring talk and encouraged those in attendance to reach for

Sponsors of this year’s graduation ceremony include; KMF Group, Acacia Training, Staffordshire Partnership for Employment and Skills (SPES), Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Staffordshire University, Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) and West Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (WMAAN).