Virgin Media says it will support the next generation of STEM workers through a new £1 million apprenticeship talent fund.
The initiative will provide funding to charities, social enterprises, small businesses and local authorities enabling them to train apprentices at no cost.
It will focus on women and those from ethnic minority backgrounds looking to progress in a STEM-based role.
Philipp Wohland, Chief People Officer, Virgin Media O2, said: “We’re committed to backing the next generation of talent and creating opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to access the value of apprenticeships. By creating a £1 million fund to turbocharge these schemes, we’re investing in people as they build their skills and helping create a more inclusive, skilled workforce. “
More than 3 million SMEs say hiring apprentices is simply not financially viable, with 35% citing cost pressure, 30% complexity of training programmes and over 800,000 (15%) saying insufficient levy funds are their key challenges.
Apprenticeship levy rules allow large employers to share up to 50% of their levy funds with other organisations. Virgin Media O2 is proactively using these funds to empower organisations looking to hire apprentices but struggling with the upfront cost or complex process.
Clare Smyth, a former apprentice and three-star Michelin chef is backing the initiative. She says apprenticeships can play in giving everyone the opportunity to succeed. “Doing an apprenticeship changed the course of my life and accelerated my career, giving me the building blocks that got me to where I am today… By tackling access and affordability constraints, and targeting underrepresented groups, this scheme can make a huge difference to communities across the country.”
Organisations can apply now to draw down funding from Virgin Media’s levy pot to fully cover the cost of apprenticeship training. Opportunities are available in areas such as digital, engineering, and data analysis – with an emphasis on social impact, inclusion, and skills for the future.
