It’s National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (9-15th February) and Stoke on Trent College is excited to showcase all of the amazing work our apprentices, employers and skills coaches do all year round to produce and nurture incredible talent. This year’s theme is based around ‘Skills for Life‘ and how apprenticeships can help individuals develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and employers to develop a workforce with future-ready skills.
We work alongside employers to help apprentices realise their potential and help build on their knowledge, skills and behaviours to be successful in their chosen industry area.
Apprenticeships For All
Apprenticeships are open to all. All ages. All sectors. All levels. All backgrounds. Apprenticeships develop people with the skills employers need and benefit the economy. They provide a route into
successful and fulfilling careers.
Apprenticeships – Skills for Life
Whether you’re growing your business, changing your career or just starting out – it all starts with skills.
Investing in Future Engineering Talent at C&K Precision Engineers Ltd
We’re proud to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week by highlighting three apprentices – Asheton Gerrard, Owen Jones and Daniel Wright – who are starting their engineering careers at C&K Precision Engineers Ltd. They are all working towards the Level 2 Engineering Operative – Material Finishing Apprenticeship, gaining hands-on experience in a modern engineering environment.
C&K Precision Engineers Ltd specialises in precision machining and assembly for industries including medical and surveillance. By recruiting apprentices, the business is addressing the engineering skills shortage while investing in its future workforce. Partnering with the College has provided tailored training and ongoing support. All three apprentices aim to progress into permanent machine operator roles and pursue higher-level apprenticeships.
Excellent Employers
Hiring an apprentice could be the game-changer your company needs. Apprenticeships provide a productive and effective way to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce.
Huggies Day Nursery
For National Apprenticeship Week’s Employer Tuesday, we’re proud to highlight our partnership with Huggies Day Nursery, supporting students to build rewarding careers in early years education. The nursery provides play-based, child-led care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, including Forest School provision, and is currently training apprentices Sophie Houghton and Emily Sargeant on the Level 3 Early Years Educator programme.
Pictured is Melissa Bromage, Deputy Manager, who plays a key role in mentoring apprentices, supported by Rachel Burt, General Manager, and the wider leadership team. Although the nursery has previously worked with independent training providers, this is their first time collaborating with Stoke on Trent College. They have praised the clear communication, regular updates and supportive approach from the college, which helped make the process smooth and stress-free.
Sophie hopes to secure a permanent role after gaining hands-on experience, while Emily values the opportunity to learn through practical work rather than full-time study.
Our Apprentice Achievements
Apprenticeships help change lives and offer a great opportunity to gain the skills needed to
be a success.
Caitlin’s story
Caitlin always aspired to work in engineering and chose an Apprenticeship with BT and Stoke on Trent College in 2019, opting for hands-on learning and industry-recognised qualifications. After completing her Level 3 Maintenance Operational Electrical Technician Apprenticeship, covering both mechanical and electrical disciplines, she progressed into BT’s engineering team before moving into her current role as a Power Trainer.
Now, Caitlin delivers training to BT employees and supports Level 4 Lead Engineering apprentices both on-site and in the classroom at the College’s Technology Hub. She is passionate about encouraging more women into engineering and highlights the growing number of female apprentices entering the sector.
Reflecting on her journey, Caitlin encourages others to “just go for it,” emphasising that Apprenticeships help learners build confidence, gain real-world skills and discover career pathways.
T Level Thursday
T Levels deliver world-class technical education, designed to give you the skills, qualifications and experience you need to work in a specific industry.
Aaron’s story
Stoke on Trent College T Level learner Aaron Mollart is working towards a career in construction surveying while studying the T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction.
Inspired by a lifelong interest in the industry, Aaron is developing skills in building technology, CAD design, project management and the commercial side of construction. Alongside his studies, he is completing an industry placement with Seddon Construction, gaining valuable on- and off-site experience and learning from industry professionals. Aaron has recently achieved his Industry Placement CSCS card, funded by the College, after passing the HSE test, enabling greater access to construction sites and enhanced hands-on learning opportunities.
After completing his T Level, Aaron hopes to progress onto a surveying apprenticeship and continue building his practical skills.
Celebrating Award-Winning Tuition
Our Tutors and Skills Coaches have vast industry experience in the areas they teach, enabling them to deliver real-world knowledge to our apprentices and real-world support to our employers.
Rob Harrison Shortlisted for Mentor of the Year at Apprenticeship Guide Awards!
Rob Harrison, a cornerstone of the College’s Brickwork team for over 25 years, has been selected as a finalist for Mentor of the Year at the Apprenticeship Guide Awards.
After starting his career as a bricklayer, Rob moved into teaching and has since inspired thousands of students to develop their skills and build their confidence. He is a passionate advocate for competitions, running in-house events to prepare learners for regional, national, and international challenges such as SkillBuild UK, the Guild of Bricklayers, and WorldSkills. Under his guidance, many Stoke on Trent College apprentices have represented the UK internationally, while recent students Callum Dixon, Joe Potts, and Rhyllan Taperek have won regional and national competitions.
Rob’s influence extends beyond teaching. He serves as Midlands Regional Secretary for the Guild of Bricklayers, Assistant Manager for WorldSkills UK, and promotes sustainability in construction education. His personal excellence has been recognised nationally, including winning Construction Apprenticeship Tutor of the Year 2024.
We’re incredibly proud to see him recognised on a national stage and wish him the best for the awards night on 30th April 2026 in Leeds!
It’s never too late to become an Apprentice…
There is a misconception that Apprenticeships are only accessible to young people, however, this is not the case. Whether you’re looking to retrain or become qualified in a completely new sector, an apprenticeship is a fantastic way to learn practical and real-life skills that will put you in good stead for the future.
Is an Apprenticeship not quite right for you but still interested in returning to learning?
Whether you want to learn new skills, improve your well-being or enhance your career, we have a range of full-time, part-time and Distance Learning courses at every level!
Get Involved!
You can get involved in National Apprenticeship Week (#NAW2026) and discover even more content across our social media channels! Make sure to follow us and stay informed about everything that goes on across Stoke on Trent College.
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