Virgin Media O2 creates new £1 million apprenticeship talent fund to support the next generation of STEM workers

• New initiative will provide funding to charities, social enterprises, small businesses and local authorities enabling them to train apprentices at no cost
• Fund will focus on supporting women and individuals from global majority backgrounds enter science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers
• Backed by former apprentice turned three Michelin star chef, Clare Smyth, the fund aims to make apprenticeships more accessible and supercharge the next generation of STEM talent

12 August 2025, London – Virgin Media O2 has today announced it is creating a new £1 million talent fund to help charities, local authorities, small businesses and social enterprises train apprentices — removing financial and structural barriers that have long held smaller organisations back from investing in early careers talent.

This initiative will allow organisations to access Virgin Media O2’s apprenticeship levy fund, using this to cover the full cost of apprenticeship training for eligible roles. The programme is specifically designed to support women and people from global majority backgrounds   looking to progress in a STEM-based role and will help build a diverse talent pipeline and leaders of the future.

The fund, which will provide the full cost of training for eligible apprenticeships, has been developed in response to significant barriers identified in recent research. More than 3 million SMEs* say hiring apprentices is simply not financially viable right now, with 35% citing cost pressure, 30% complexity of training programmes and over 800,000 (15%) saying insufficient levy funds are their key challenges.

With nearly four in five employers (79%) saying they would be more likely to hire apprentices if additional financial support was available, the scheme could unlock hundreds of retraining opportunities for young people and career-changers.

Clare Smyth, three-star Michelin chef and social mobility advocate, is backing the initiative. A former apprentice herself, she has risen to the top of her profession and is passionate about the role apprenticeships can play in giving everyone the opportunity to succeed.

Commenting on the initiative, Clare said: “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. 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. By tackling access and affordability constraints, and targeting underrepresented groups, this scheme can make a huge difference to communities across the country.”

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.

Philipp Wohland, Chief People Officer, 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 to turbocharge these schemes, we’re investing in people as they build their skills and helping create a more inclusive, skilled workforce. We know apprenticeships change lives, and we’re proud to be opening doors and backing the next generation to create meaningful, long-term opportunities in the communities we serve.” 

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.

Notes to Editors

• The apprenticeship levy applies to UK employers with an annual pay bill over £3 million.
• Virgin Media O2 will transfer up to £1 million in unspent levy funds to smaller organisations to fund approved apprenticeship training.
• The scheme focuses on promoting social mobility and supporting underrepresented groups, including women in STEM and people from global majority backgrounds.
• *3.5m SME figure: There are 5.5m SMEs in the UK as reported by Government in its Business and population estimates. 57% of those surveyed said hiring an apprentice was not financially viable right now.
• For more information on how to apply, please visit
• Case studies are available on request.