Posted on Thursday 26th June 2025
Group photo of last year’s event
A leading company specialising in electrical control systems and digital solutions has been named as a keynote speaker at the tenth-annual Staffordshire Apprenticeship Graduation.
Steve Tellwright, People and Quality Director at Capula Ltd, will be celebrating with over 100 employers and apprentices that are graduating from their work-based learning courses this year. The event will take place on Tuesday 15 July at the County Showground, Stafford.
The Stone-based company have previously announced that they will be taking on a record number of apprentices over the next three years and are encouraging employers to do the same to add significant value to their business.
Steve said:
“It’s a real privilege for me to deliver the keynote address and celebrate with the latest cohort of apprentices on a day that is all about them – their hard work, growth and future.
“But it’s also about something much bigger: the power of potential, and the value of investing in people. For Capula, apprenticeships really are fundamental to our growth; as we continue to grow our own by building a pipeline of the right skills, behaviours and values through our apprenticeship programme.
“To our fellow employers, if you are not already investing in apprenticeships, I urge you to consider it whatever size your business.”
Martin Murray, Staffordshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said:
“Around 74,000 people in Staffordshire started an apprenticeship over the last 10 years.
“Research shows that for every pound that is invested in apprenticeships, the Staffordshire economy gains over twenty times that amount – apprentices really are a key part of the Staffordshire economy. It is very appropriate that we celebrate their success, encourage more young people into the programmes and support as many businesses as possible to offer apprenticeships to local people.”
Support for businesses to explore apprenticeships is available from the Ladder for Staffordshire website or by calling 03332 409 699.
Steve added:
“Supporting apprenticeships isn’t just good for business – it’s good for the future of our industries and our communities. The Ladder for Staffordshire can help any business navigate the process and discuss how the apprenticeship funding system works, depending on business size. The investment does pay off earlier than businesses think.
“I’m always happy to be showcasing our approach, and I am delighted to be able to share what has worked for us at the graduation ceremony as well as offering my personal support to businesses as they strengthen their own apprenticeship journey.”
Anyone considering starting an apprenticeship should not wait to apply as thousands of employers are already recruiting now to take on over the next few months. Anyone 18 or over can browse the opportunities on the Staffordshire Jobs and Careers website. Anyone under 18 can contact the dedicated helpline to explore all the different options available to school leavers, regardless of their formal qualifications, on 01785 854125 or by emailing CareersParticipation@staffordshire.gov.uk.
Martin added:
“As well as developing work-ready skills, another major advantage of apprenticeships is that many Level 2 courses are available and are perfect for school leavers. There are even Level 1 or study programmes available for those not expecting to go to college after school where core skills, ranging from hospitality to construction and hairdressing, can be taught alongside functional maths and English.
“With over 70 apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships available in Staffordshire, there really is an apprenticeship for everyone at any level, and the Graduation Ceremony will celebrate that.”
The graduation ceremony is open to anyone from Staffordshire completing their apprenticeship this year and they or their employer can book a place at the event on the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Apprenticeship Graduation - Graduation Gown Hire website.