With school and college leavers now entering the jobs market, Staffordshire businesses are being encouraged to consider apprenticeships as a practical way to tackle skills shortages and strengthen their future workforce.
Jane Tunnicliff, Director of Apprenticeships at Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG), says summer is a key recruitment period for employers, with free support available and a new £2,000 hiring payment for eligible non-levy employers due to launch in October 2026.
Has apprenticeship provision closed for summer?
Not at all! NSCG continues to operate throughout the summer, with assessors and lecturers continuing to deliver training, prepare apprentices for End Point Assessments and interview new recruits.
While many people assume colleges pause apprenticeship activity during the holidays, apprenticeship programmes continue all year round. This means employers can still recruit, onboard and train apprentices during the summer months without waiting until September.
The Apprenticeship Hub remains available to support employers by advertising vacancies, shortlisting applicants, arranging interviews and guiding new apprentices through the onboarding process.
Is now a good time for businesses to recruit an apprentice?
Absolutely I believe it is! Summer is one of the strongest recruitment periods because school and college leavers are actively looking for their next step into employment and training.
For many employers, this creates an opportunity to attract motivated young people before they commit to alternative routes. Recruiting at this stage can also help businesses plan ahead for autumn workloads and future skills requirements.
NSCG’s Apprenticeship Hub can support businesses with advertising vacancies, shortlisting candidates and arranging interviews, with the service provided free of charge.
Are there any incentives available for employers?
For employers recruiting a 16–18-year-old apprentice, or a 19–24-year-old with an Education, Health and Care Plan, a £1,000 incentive payment is available.
From October 2026, eligible non-levy employers will be able to access a £2,000 hiring payment when recruiting a new apprentice aged 16–24.
This additional support is intended to help smaller employers invest in new talent and expand apprenticeship opportunities for young people entering the workforce.
What new apprenticeship opportunities are coming for 2026/27?
NSCG is introducing a new Level 2 Administration Apprenticeship aimed at supporting young people aged 16–24.
The programme has been designed to help learners develop practical workplace skills that can be applied across a wide range of business environments, including administration, customer service and office support roles.
Higher Apprenticeships are also scheduled to launch this September and October in:
- Quality Practitioner (Level 4)
- Associate Project Manager (Level 4)
- Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability Practitioner (Level 4)
These programmes build on NSCG’s existing higher apprenticeship offer, which already includes Network Engineer, Software Developer and Civil Engineering Senior Technician at Level 4, alongside the Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship at Level 5.
The expanded higher apprenticeship provision reflects growing demand from employers for higher-level technical, digital and professional skills, while giving learners the opportunity to gain recognised qualifications alongside valuable workplace experience.
For Staffordshire businesses looking to strengthen their workforce, apprenticeships continue to offer a practical way to develop skills, support succession planning and bring new talent into the organisation.
To speak to a member of the NSCG team and find out how hiring an apprentice could benefit your business, complete the online contact form here.
