Leading Staffordshire company commits to long-term apprenticeship investment 

A Staffordshire company specialising in electrical control systems and digital solutions has committed to taking on more apprentices and college leavers to cope with rising demand.

Steve Tellwright, People and Quality Director at Stone-based Capula Ltd, has announced that the company is planning on taking on over 60 new apprentices over the next three years to support demand from the thriving energy and infrastructure  sector.

Image: Steve Tellwright, Capula Ltd.

Having already increased its workforce by 30% over the last year, the company has become one of the UK’s leading systems integration companies and is now looking to continue to heavily invest  in their apprenticeship programme.

Steve Tellwright, explained that apprenticeships are fundamental to the growth of their business.  He said: “Over 15% of our workforce is in an apprenticeship, mostly at degree level, and we intend to grow that number substantially.

“It’s so important that we have a pipeline of the right people with the right skill base and behaviours.  We’re absolutely committed to our apprenticeship programme because it’s about growing our own. Giving local people the opportunities to learn the skills we need through apprenticeships just makes good business sense for now and the future.

“Taking on an apprentice may seem complicated to some businesses, but there is a lot of help out there and the initial investment does pay off.  It really does work out more economical in just three to four years.  Our apprentices are productive and client facing in as little as four months, and almost all stay with us after graduating, so it’s a win-win for everyone.”

Philip White, deputy leader and Cabinet Member for Staffordshire County Council, said: “Capula is a fantastic example of how a business is thriving thanks to apprenticeships.

“But even if a business can’t set up a full-programme, a company of any size will benefit from the honed skills and brand ambassadors that their apprentice will become.

“Here in Staffordshire we make it as easy as possible by working with the Ladder for Staffordshire to make sure expert advice and step by step support is always available to local businesses, of any size. We’re committed to supporting business growth by doing all we can to create a pipeline of local talent with the skills they need.”

Businesses with a salary-bill of less than £3 million only need to pay 5% of the cost of their apprenticeship training, and national insurance payments are either nil or minimal.

Further information and support on taking on an apprentice is available on the Ladder for Staffordshire website or by calling 03332 409 699.