Empowering Futures: ANTA Education’s sponsors Telford Apprenticeship Awards

📍 Live from Stafford Park Industrial Estate, Telford — Carl Jones spoke with Craig Howard from ANTA Education, a first-time sponsor of the Medium-Sized Employer of the Year award. Craig’s passion for education and community development shines through in every word, and his organisation’s mission is nothing short of transformative.

🎓 Who Is ANTA Education?

ANTA Education is a private training provider based in Telford, with a clear and compelling goal: to tackle long-term unemployment by supporting individuals who face barriers to education and employment. Their work spans a wide spectrum—from young people at risk of disengaging from school to unemployed adults seeking a fresh start.

Craig explains, “We offer alternative provision for schools, work with NEETs (young people not in education, employment or training), and help progress individuals into apprenticeships. We’re not an apprenticeship provider ourselves, but we collaborate with many who are.”

🔍 Finding the Right Candidates

How does ANTA Education connect with those in need? It’s a mix of grassroots outreach and digital presence. Craig runs the popular Telford Jobs Facebook page, which boasts over 40,000 members and serves as a vibrant hub for job seekers in the region. Alongside referrals from job centres, schools, and local authorities, ANTA Education ensures they’re visible and accessible to the community.

“We work closely with schools and councils who know which kids are at risk,” Craig shares. “We help build their confidence, develop their skills, and then connect them with employers and training providers.”

🌍 Local Roots, Wider Reach

While Telford remains the heart of their operations, ANTA Education’s impact stretches across Staffordshire. With active contracts and partnerships in place, they’re steadily expanding their reach while keeping their hometown as a priority.

“I’ve lived in Telford most of my life,” Craig says. “It’s our home, and it always will be.”

💡 The Power of Learning

One of Craig’s favourite mottos is: “If you’re determined to learn, no one can stop you.” But how determined are people to learn?

Craig breaks it down into three groups:

• Those who will learn no matter the environment.

• Those who aren’t interested in learning.

• And the middle group—his favourite—those who have the ability but lack the right environment or support.

“It’s not that people aren’t willing,” he says. “It’s that the environment lets them down.”

🤝 Advocating for Apprenticeships

Craig is a strong advocate for apprenticeships, especially for those in that middle group. He believes apprenticeships are a powerful pathway for individuals who need structure, mentorship, and real-world experience.

“Many young people—and even schools—don’t fully understand what apprenticeships are,” Craig notes. “We act as a bridge, helping people see the opportunities available and guiding them toward employers who can help them grow.”

🏆 Looking Ahead

As a first-time sponsor of the awards, ANTA Education is proud to celebrate the achievements of local employers and the impact they have on the community. Craig’s commitment to advice, guidance, and empowerment is a reminder that real change starts with connection—and a belief in people’s potential.

Here’s to a fantastic awards night and to the continued success of ANTA Education in shaping brighter futures across Telford and beyond.