£1m Apprenticeship Talent Fund

Virgin Media O2 is unlocking up to £1 million in funding to help small businesses, charities, social enterprises, and local authorities recruit and train the next wave of apprentices — creating real career opportunities that power long-term growth. The fund focuses on getting more women into STEM and supporting people from global majority backgrounds, driving innovation by opening up the industry to those ready to make a difference. The funding is available through a levy transfer program, where Virgin Media O2 transfers up to 50% of their apprenticeship levy pot to smaller organizations. Since April 2024, new rules allow large employers to transfer levy funds to help smaller businesses access vital funding for upskilling. This initiative addresses the challenge that more than 3 million SMEs face, with many citing cost pressure, complexity of training programmes, and insufficient funds as key barriers to hiring apprentices. The funds are available to cover the cost of training an apprentice and can be drawn down from Virgin Media's pot through the Government's apprenticeship service portal. Organizations applying are still required to cover the cost of the apprentice's salary. Nearly four in five employers say they would be more likely to hire apprentices if additional financial support was available, making this scheme a significant opportunity to unlock hundreds of retraining opportunities for young people and career-changers. This is more than a giveaway — it's an investment in the future of the telecoms sector and empowering organizations to grow their capabilities while supporting underrepresented groups in STEM fields.