Virgin Media O2 has launched a £1 million talent fund to help charities, local authorities, small businesses and social enterprises train apprentices in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), aiming to break down the financial and structural barriers that prevent smaller organisations from investing in early careers talent.
The scheme will allow eligible organisations to draw on Virgin Media O2’s unspent apprenticeship levy funds to cover the full cost of apprenticeship training. It is specifically designed to support women and people from global majority backgrounds seeking to progress in STEM-based roles, building a more diverse pipeline of future leaders.
The initiative follows research showing more than 3 million SMEs say hiring apprentices is not financially viable in the current climate. Cost pressures were cited by 35% of respondents, the complexity of training programmes by 30%, and insufficient levy funds by 15%. Almost four in five employers (79%) said they would be more likely to take on apprentices if additional financial support were available.
Three-star Michelin chef Clare Smyth, who began her career as an apprentice, is backing the programme. “Doing an apprenticeship changed the course of my life and accelerated my career,” Smyth said. “I’m proud to support a programme that’s breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for everyone by showing that success isn’t dependent on where you come from — it’s defined by where you can go.”
Under apprenticeship levy rules, large employers can share up to 50% of their funds with other organisations. Virgin Media O2 is using this flexibility to help organisations struggling with the upfront cost or complexity of the process to recruit apprentices in digital, engineering, and data analysis roles.
Philipp Wohland, Chief People Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “We’re committed to backing the next generation of talent and creating opportunities for people to access the value of apprenticeships. By creating a £1 million fund, we’re investing in people as they build their skills and helping create a more inclusive, skilled workforce.”
Organisations can apply now for funding, with opportunities prioritising social impact, inclusion, and skills for the future.
