Our early careers opportunities will offer you the chance to find out what it’s like to work with us, while giving you a taste of the responsibilities you could enjoy. Find out more about our apprentice and graduate opportunities, and see just how far you could go.
Apprenticeships
We’re currently working with all our teams to offer a brand new range of apprenticeships. However, our business units currently advertise a number of our original apprenticeships, so keep an eye out for adverts on our jobs board.
Why choose an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are a perfect way to start your career, and they’re also a nationally recognised development programme that provides in-depth technical excellence and supports career progression, so what you’ll gain is transferable whatever direction you choose to take. And they’re important to us because we want to make sure we develop our people in their chosen career.
What level is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships aren’t just entry level – there are some that go all the way up to the equivalent of a Masters. These are the levels and their equivalents:
| Level | Qualification comparison |
|---|
| 7 |
Masters |
| 6 |
Degree |
| 5 |
Higher |
| 4 |
Higher |
| 3 |
A-levels |
| 2 |
GCSEs |
See what some of our apprentices say about working with us
Amy Sales is a Team Leader apprentice with Families and Communities, and says:
‘My apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to put into practice everything I’ve learnt, and support me as I build a high performing team which I’m proud of. It has also given me the confidence to further my career in a different service area.’
Claire Williams is another of our Team Leader apprentices, and works as a School Crossing Patrol Area Manager:
‘I love my apprenticeship because I’m developing new skills which I can put to good use in my role. Getting back into the mindset of studying can be a challenge, but I found setting aside a study day each week has been really helpful in getting the work/study balance right.’
Working as a Social Worker apprentice, Sue Oliver says:
‘It’s great because I get to continue to do a job I’m really passionate about alongside studying at university where I’m learning about the theory that relates to my practice. I love the support I get from everyone – my employer, the university and my fellow apprentices.’
Lee Mountford is a Senior Team Leader apprentice with Corporate Services, and explains:
‘The support is great – a team of professionals including tutors, coaches and my line manager have taken the time to work with me and guide me through the apprenticeship, improving my knowledge and skills. This has given me greater confidence and the ability to progress in my job.’
Emily Madsen, Senior Leader apprentice with Economy, Infrastructure and Skills says:
‘I love my apprenticeship because I never thought I’d get the opportunity to further my education. I'm improving my skills, which will help me with my future aspirations as I progress in my career.’
Keir McCluskey is another apprentice who works in Corporate Services, and explains:
‘I’m learning valuable skills to improve my performance while still working. I’m also gaining a formal university qualification with my employer supporting me through the whole process, including the cost of the apprenticeship.’
Libby Wordley-Smith is a Digital Support Technician apprentice, and says:
‘I’m growing my confidence and learning new things every day. It’s teaching me the world of work but also helping me to achieve my goals in the sector I want to progress with. I also have a lot of support in my team and always have someone to turn to for advice. I can’t wait to keep progressing and hopefully carry on with the council.’
Graduates
We’re currently working with our teams to offer a brand new range of graduate roles. To make sure you’re the first person to know about these opportunities, please register your interest. We’ll let you know when graduate roles go live, so you can be one of the first to find out more and apply.
SCC will be offering two graduate opportunities from September 2022 and seeking placements from the business to help structure their development programme and skills whilst with us.
What is the National Graduate Development Programme?
The National Graduate Development Programme (NGDP) is the Local Government Associations (LGA’s) flagship management trainee programme which offers councils a unique opportunity to grow their own local government leaders. It is the only national graduate programme specifically for local government.
Proud to be a Cornerstone Employer
Public Sector Apprenticeship Target 21-22
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- Staffordshire residents can play their part in minimising the spread of Covid-19 this summer, by getting fully vaccinated and taking sensible precautions.