Building careers through
Recruitment
Apprenticeships
Training
About us
Starting Off is a long‑established organisation with a strong reputation for delivering high‑quality recruitment and training services across the UK. We specialise in apprenticeship recruitment and development, as well as permanent placements for businesses of all sizes.
Founded in Northamptonshire in 1989, we’ve grown significantly over the years and now partner with employers nationwide.
Empowering People. Strengthening Businesses.
We deliver high‑quality training through trusted awarding bodies, helping people build real skills that move businesses forward.
Our apprenticeships cover a range of key subjects, with options available through the Advanced Learner Loan or as private training for individuals or teams:
Accounting
Business Administration
Customer Service
IT
Leadership and Management
Marketing
Who we support
Learners
and
job-seekers
Individuals are at the heart of what we do, whether you are a school leaver looking for your first job, an experienced professional looking to further your career, or want to increase your skills with training, we can help you.
Employers
and
business
Employers shape the opportunities we help create. Whether you’re growing your team with new apprentices, strengthening staff skills through private training, or seeking support with recruitment, we work alongside you to build the talent your business needs.
Parents
We understand how important it is for parents to feel confident in their young person’s next steps. If you’d like to be involved in their apprenticeship choices or training journey, we’re here to support you too — offering guidance, clarity, and a partnership that helps them thrive.
Schools
and
colleges
We’re proud to support our local schools and colleges in preparing students for their next steps. From attending careers fairs and running mock interviews to delivering apprenticeship presentations and training sessions, we help young people understand their options and make informed choices.
Driven by values
At the heart of everything we do is SHAPE—our core values that guide how we work, support others, and grow together. These values are more than words; they shape our culture, our services, and the experience we create for every learner, employer, and team member.
What people say about us
- After beginning my A -levels at college, I realised that this wasn’t the route for me. I decided to sign up to Starting Off, and I am so glad that I did. The staff are all amazing – the attention and care put in by everyone is great. You get amazing advice on career options and interview techniques. I now work in a Marketing Position at KAB Seating
- Alice Crofts
- KAB Seating
- At Starting Off, the environment is very positive, and I have always felt very welcome and supported by the staff at Starting Off. The trainers push you to the best of your ability and I am now a Trainee Support Officer. In my opinion, apprenticeships are one of the best ways to get your career started.
- Catherine Kealy
- Northampton Borough Council
- I definitely recommend working with Starting Off if you are looking for an apprenticeship. I began my search for apprenticeships around a month ago and since working with Starting Off, have secured myself the perfect apprenticeship. I would highly recommend Lucy Harris at Starting Off, she has been a tremendous help during the search for an apprenticeship, continuously going above and beyond to make sure we found the most suitable apprenticeship. I am massively thankful to Lucy for efficiently making the search for an apprenticeship so straight forward and awarding. I would use Starting Off again if necessary, knowing i would receive excellent and service sudden results. 😊
- Daisy Palmer-Mitchell
- I had the best experience with starting off. Lucy Harris helped in in just a month find and secure an apprenticeship in something i enjoyed. Couldn’t recommend it enough!
- Matilda Allam