More than 6,300 apprentices have been trained over the past decade at the University of Staffordshire, as the institution prepares to host a major regional skills summit next month.
The annual conference – ‘The Apprenticeship Outlook: what’s changing and what’s next’ – takes place on 6 March at the university’s Catalyst building, bringing together employers from across Staffordshire and the Midlands to discuss workforce priorities and the impact of national apprenticeship reforms, including the Government’s new Growth and Skills Levy.
The conference programme features keynote addresses, a panel session with Q&A and networking opportunities. Speakers include Gemma Marsh, deputy CEO of Skills England; NHS degree apprentice Molly Wingrove; Lisa Davies, head of business engagement at the university; Johnny Mathieson, Siemens early career professionals manager; and Meg Bowyer, former captain of Stoke City FC Women.
Lisa Davies said: “Employers are navigating change. They want clarity on how reforms affect them, how to maximise levy investment and how to build sustainable talent pipelines. This event provides a practical forum for collaboration and forward planning.”
Since introducing higher and degree apprenticeships in 2015, the University has expanded from 150 starts in 2016 to 6,308 apprentices by July 2026, working with 499 employers nationally.
The university currently delivers 20 apprenticeship standards from Level 5 to Level 7, allowing individuals to gain a full university qualification while in paid employment in sectors such as healthcare, policing, engineering, defence, education and digital industries.
Professor Raheel Nawaz, Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Staffordshire, said: “Apprenticeships are now central to how we develop professional talent across Staffordshire.
“As national policy evolves, universities and employers must work even more closely together to ensure programmes remain rigorous, flexible and aligned to workforce need.
“This conference is about shaping the next phase of apprenticeship delivery in our region and ensuring local employers have access to the skilled workforce they require.”
Employers can find further details or book a place on the university’s website.
