Total People is to receive new funds to support apprenticeship training within local small and mediums size enterprises (SMEs) in the North West.
The BBC has pledged £100k from its Apprenticeship Levy fund, which will allow people to earn while they undertake work-based training and learning.
Total People is one of several organisations receiving levy funds from the national broadcaster. SMEs across the North West are encouraged to apply for the funds so they can recruit apprentices and create apprenticeships for their businesses.
Melanie Nicholson, Managing Director of Total People, said: "We’re delighted to receive funding from the BBC to support apprentices here in the North West. These funds will go a long way in helping us to support SMEs to recruit apprentices or upskill their staff.
Our apprenticeship expertise, together with these levy gifting funds, will create real opportunities for people and businesses.
"Apprenticeships are a fantastic way of mastering the practical skills and knowledge in a particular industry, while creating invaluable recruitment and development opportunities for employers.”
Launched in 2017 by the Government, the Apprenticeship Levy allows for organisations to pay a certain amount each year towards the costs of enabling new apprenticeships and upskilling existing employees.
Organisations generally use their levy to support those that take up apprenticeships in their own workplaces, but when that money is not spent it can be transferred to SMEs who do not have a levy fund themselves to cover apprenticeship training.
Sarah Moors, BBC Head of Apprenticeships, says: “Apprenticeships provide a vital route into the media for people from a range of backgrounds. In pledging these funds, we hope to support the development of new talent for the creative, cultural and digital sectors, and to equip existing employees with additional skills”.
Any SMEs thinking of taking on a new apprentice, or enrolling a current employee on an apprenticeship, should contact Total People.
