Stoke-on-Trent is bustling with opportunity and excitement this February, as a fresh wave of job openings sweeps through the city and its surrounding areas, while one of Staffordshire’s top attractions, Alton Towers, launches an adventurous pirate-themed half term event sure to delight families from near and far.
For jobseekers, the landscape is especially promising. As of February 7, 2026, a range of positions is up for grabs, spanning retail, hospitality, education, and support services. According to Nub News, several prominent employers are seeking new team members, each offering a unique workplace experience and a chance to become part of the local community’s vibrant fabric.
At Aldi in Norton, the search is on for a Store Assistant. The company’s job advert lays out what’s in store for successful applicants: “You’ll do everything from checking off deliveries to dealing with enquiries or ensuring that the shelves are fully stocked with well-presented products. And, of course, you’ll provide excellent customer service at all times by attending to customer needs in a prompt and friendly way.” The environment is described as fast-paced and close-knit, with a “real family feel” that encourages everyone to pitch in and contribute to the store’s success.
Meanwhile, Alton Towers is not only a destination for thrill-seekers but also a potential workplace for those looking to join the magic behind the scenes. The theme park is recruiting Ride Hosts, who, as the advert puts it, will be “the face of Alton Towers Resort, ensuring all our guests have a magical and safe experience.” Ride Hosts play a pivotal role in helping families, friends, and adventurers alike create lasting memories. The job is as much about safety as it is about fun, blending operational responsibilities with the joy of being part of a world-class entertainment team.
Education is another sector seeing growth, with Newcastle and Stafford College Group advertising for a Vice Principal for the Stafford Campus & Adult Provision. According to the job listing, this senior leadership role involves overseeing the campus to “ensure that outstanding levels of performance are maintained in teaching and learning and all aspects of the operation of the campus facilities.” The Vice Principal will also spearhead the development of adult skills provision, working closely with the Director of Adult Skills to expand opportunities for lifelong learning in Stafford and Newcastle. It’s a role that promises both challenge and impact, shaping the educational landscape for students of all ages.
For those drawn to the hospitality industry, Nandos at the Potteries Centre in Hanley is on the hunt for Back of House Team Members. The company affectionately refers to its team as “Nandocas,” and the job description is clear: “The role of a Back of House Nandoca is simple…to prepare and make the finest PERi-PERi meals to wow every guest. We offer full and part-time positions, and no previous experience is required, just show us that you’re brimming with passion and willing to learn and we will teach you the rest.” It’s an open invitation to anyone eager to learn the ropes in a dynamic kitchen environment, regardless of prior experience.
Tech-savvy candidates may find their calling at Keele University, where the Harper & Keele Veterinary School is seeking a Digital Education and Innovation Technologist. The successful applicant will “play a key role in maintaining and supporting the School’s digital platforms and systems, including Blackboard, PebblePad, Microsoft Teams, and Power Automate.” Collaboration is at the heart of this role, which involves working across two universities to ensure seamless digital learning experiences for staff and students alike.
Social support services are also expanding. Victim Support is recruiting a Triage and Early Intervention Officer in Stoke-on-Trent. The advert outlines the responsibilities: “The Triage and Early Intervention Officer (TEIO) will be responsible for making initial contact with adults who may require support after experiencing domestic abuse. You will speak on the telephone to adults who have experienced domestic abuse and you will be responsible for completing risk assessments and safety planning. During the call you will provide practical and emotional support in a way that is flexible and caring, listening carefully to what is being said and showing empathy at all times.” It’s a role that requires compassion, patience, and the ability to offer both practical advice and heartfelt support during vulnerable moments.
While jobseekers weigh their options, families across the region are preparing for a half term like no other. According to National World, Alton Towers Resort is going all-in on a pirate theme for the February school break, transforming the park into a swashbuckling wonderland from February 8, 2026. Themed short breaks start at £64 per person, based on four people sharing a Beachcomber room at the Splash Landings Hotel. That price includes not just a night’s stay, but also a buccaneering buffet breakfast, exclusive live entertainment, theme park entry, water park access, and even nine holes of crazy golf—plenty to keep everyone on board busy from dawn till dusk.
The week’s entertainment is packed with pirate flair. Young sailors and their families can look forward to Captain Finn’s Training Camp, The Pirates of Mutiny Bay: The Hunt for the Crown of T’Hulu, Pieces of Eight: Interactive Treasure Hunt, and Sharkbait Reef by Sea Life. These activities are designed to educate and inspire, blending stories of sea monsters and adventure with hands-on fun. The infamous pirates of Mutiny Bay are at the helm, promising to bring the spirit of the high seas to life for every guest.
Accommodation options cater to all tastes and ages, from the CBeebies Land Hotel for the youngest adventurers to the Caribbean-inspired Splash Landings Hotel, the classic Alton Towers Hotel, and the enchanting Woodland Lodges. Each offers its own twist on the pirate theme, ensuring that the experience continues even after the park gates close for the night. For those who prefer a day visit, tickets during pirate week are available from just £18 per person, making the festivities accessible to a wide audience.
Of course, the pirate adventure is more than just a marketing gimmick—it’s a carefully curated experience meant to bring families together and create memories that last well beyond the school holidays. The live entertainment, interactive treasure hunts, and themed accommodations all work in concert to transport guests to another world, if only for a weekend.
With the local job market buzzing and Alton Towers offering a taste of pirate life, Stoke-on-Trent is proving itself to be a city of opportunity and excitement this February. Whether you’re seeking a new career, a magical escape, or simply a chance to try something new, there’s never been a better time to dive in and see what’s on offer.
As the city’s employers and attractions open their doors, residents and visitors alike can look forward to a season filled with fresh starts, bold adventures, and the kind of community spirit that makes Stoke-on-Trent a place worth calling home.