Jenny Scrivens - Personally Speaking

When leaving school, I knew I wanted to enter the workforce, earn a wage, and gain essential skills that a classroom alone couldn't provide. Traditional education didn't seem like the right fit for me, as I thrived on practical application. A wonderful careers advisor suggested an apprenticeship as a suitable path, allowing me to earn and learn simultaneously. At that time, apprenticeships were not as highly valued, and I faced resistance from my school and family, who encouraged full-time education.

After a few interviews, I was confident that my decision to pursue employment was the right one. I began as a business administration apprentice and progressed through apprenticeships in customer service, IT, and management. I fell in love with my job, the work-life balance, and the continuous education. I was acquiring knowledge, skills, and behaviours that I could apply, develop, and master in my daily job, and I loved it. Inspired by my skills coach, I decided to become a skills coach myself, helping others on their apprenticeship journey. I developed a passion for supporting our local community in training and upskilling their staff, forming lifelong relationships along the way.

Eager to learn more, I trained to become a teacher, attended university part-time to complete a degree, and ultimately earned a Master's in Education. My journey taught me that education is wonderful, intoxicating, and powerful, but it requires finding the right fit to ignite one's passion and hunger for knowledge.? Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to develop skills, fulfil career ambitions, and engage in lifelong learning.

At Stoke on Trent College, in my role as Head of Apprenticeships and Skills and through our strategy ‘Skills Ready Future Ready ’ we work collaboratively with partners and stakeholders to shape our curriculum in order that our learners are work ready. Supporting work experience opportunities for full-time learners, offering fantastic apprenticeship opportunities across a variety of sectors to help build a workforce of the future and support the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP).

We host regular Skills Advisory Panels across each of our four Skills Hubs where we bring together employers to discuss their specific skills needs and explore ways to future-proof local business requirements. Employers collaborating with the College to address their skills gaps is crucial and these purposeful partnerships ensure that the workforce is equipped with the necessary and current skills demanded by evolving industries.

By aligning our courses with real-world requirements, we support students to be skills-ready and future-ready, reducing the time and resources employers spend on additional training. Additionally, such collaboration fosters innovation and keeps our courses relevant, benefiting both students and employers. It also helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, enhancing the overall competency and productivity of the workforce. Ultimately, this synergy supports economic growth and bridges those skills gaps.

Lifelong skills development is essential for business growth and success. In addition to apprenticeships and adult courses, our college also offers distance learning options which provide flexible learning opportunities and the new Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) now available ensure that education adapts and advances with you throughout your career journey.? As with my own education journey, higher education offers the opportunity for personal growth and development.?

As a new government takes office, we are keen to understand the implications for employers. The anticipated new growth and skills levy is expected to provide employers and their employees with increased access to developmental training opportunities. This initiative aims to enhance the knowledge base within organisations and help bridge existing skills gaps. In an ever-changing job market, the skills gained through education are invaluable. Whether it's an Apprenticeship, Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ), T-Level, or Distance Learning course, lifelong learning is essential for staying relevant in your field and contributing to a dynamic workforce.

To find out more about Apprenticeships or to learn more about how the College can support your business contact [email protected]