This week (10-16 February) marks National Apprenticeships Week - an annual celebration which recognises apprentices, employers, training providers and colleges which contribute to the success of apprenticeships across the country.  

Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) has around 1,500 apprentices enrolled on its vast range of courses and its consistently high qualification achievement rates place it in the top 5% of colleges in England for learners aged 16 to 18. 

NSCG's apprenticeship results are also 13% above the national average and it works with around 850 local employers including Belong, NHS, Siemens PLC, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and DPC Accountants.

NSCG's apprenticeship results are also 13% above the national average (NSCG).

Director of Apprenticeships at NSCG, Jane Tunnicliff, explained: "We have apprenticeships in many different sectors and for some - such as Accounting, Adult Care, and Engineering - we operate all the way from Intermediate to Higher level.

"A brand-new one we've just introduced is the Specialist Teaching Assistant Level Five, it's a much-needed higher apprenticeship. We've got more and more special educational needs children that need that support, so this Apprenticeship Standard will be perfect for those advanced practitioners to enhance and harness their skills further."

NSCG is an Ofsted rated 'Outstanding' provider and Jane puts this down to "the emphasis we put on strong employer partnerships and high quality teaching and learning. But also, we provide robust pastoral support that ensures apprentices receive guidance tailored to their individual needs and career goals."

Amy Price is an Accounting & Finance Apprentice at GivEnergy and she said she chose this path "because I thought it was a great way to gain experience while also studying and earning money". 

Amy's goal after her apprenticeship is to go on to complete the Level 4 Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualification before working towards a degree-level qualification. 

NSCG has a strong emphasis on employer partnerships and high quality teaching (NSCG).

NSCG has state-of-the-art facilities including the opening of the Institute of Technology in September which will deliver some specialist and higher-level apprenticeships. 

There is also a dedicated Apprenticeship Team which ensures NSCG keeps up-to-date with government policies and provides a tailored recruitment service, industry-relevant training, expert guidance of funding and grants and ongoing mentorship and support. 

Daisy Haywood is a Hospitality Supervisor Apprentice and says she found her role at The Milehouse through the NSCG website. 

She said: "The support I've received from my assessor has been amazing. She comes to me at work, so I don't have to go into college and she's very flexible. If I ever need help, I can email or contact her and she always gets back to me straight away. She's been super supportive and honestly, I don't think I would have done as well as I have without her help". 

NSCG has an award-winning, highly-skilled workforce which includes Dr Elliott Lancaster who has recently achieved his PhD and is now a finalist in the 'Outstanding Contribution to Apprenticeships and Training' category at the AELP Apprenticeship and Training Awards 2025. 

Jane continued: "To celebrate National Apprenticeships Week, we wanted to show that we have amazing facilities and provision so on Tuesday 11 February we're hosting a big expo at bet365 Stadium.

"We've got a whole host of apprenticeship providers and around 1,000 pupils are booked in already. The event is open to the general public from 3pm – 6pm so anyone who is interested in discovering how apprenticeships can kick start their career can register to attend using this link.

The new Institute of Technology is also due to open in September (NSCG).

"We recognise employers put their heart and soul into apprenticeships so we celebrate this at an employer award ceremony that takes place during our annual charity fundraiser event. On Friday 14 February we are hosting our Pizza & Prosecco evening which is all in aid of a local charity.

"Employers have nominated themselves in our five different categories, winners will be announced on the night and then we'll have a charity raffle and auction. 

"This year we are aiming to raise £7,000 for The Macari Foundation." Follow this link to reserve the last few tickets.

To find out more about apprenticeships available at NSCG, visit the website.

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