WCC celebrates Apprenticeship Week
Warwickshire County Council celebrated National Apprenticeship Week from 10 to 16 February. Apprenticeships are a crucial part of workforce development at Warwickshire County Council (WCC), offering individuals of all ages the chance to gain valuable skills and experience. National Apprenticeship Week highlights the positive impact of apprenticeships and celebrates all who are involved in making them a success, including the businesses that hire them.
Since its launch in 2019, the WCC Apprenticeship Levy Share Programme has been highly successful in helping businesses cover the costs associated with apprenticeship training. This initiative addresses skills gaps and shortages in various industries to support business growth.
The unique programme enables the Warwickshire Skills Hub team to work with businesses, helping them explore suitable apprenticeships, identify local apprenticeship providers, and access WCC's levy funds. These funds can be shared with small and medium-sized enterprises. In 2024, over £1m was donated via the WCC levy share programme which supported 99 apprenticeships across 41 businesses in a range of skills and sectors.
Businesses can leverage this programme to invest in future skills through apprenticeship training, whether by recruiting new talent or supporting existing staff in expanding their workplace skills and knowledge to achieve nationally recognised qualifications relevant to their job roles.
The Business Skills Advisors at WCC collaborate with businesses to conduct a free, comprehensive review of their training, skills, and recruitment needs. This helps identify appropriate qualifications and training pathways with approved training providers.
In addition to apprenticeship support, the programme can unlock a variety of business services from WCC’s partners, including staff training, business growth funding, property search, tender opportunities, and network expansion.
Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy, Cllr Martin Watson said: "The Apprenticeship Levy Share Programme has been a game-changer for businesses in Warwickshire. By providing access to essential training funds and resources, we are helping to bridge the skills gap and drive economic growth in our region. I am incredibly proud of the positive impact this programme has had on our local businesses and workforce, and it is always nice to reflect on that success during National Apprenticeships Week."
For businesses interested in taking on their first apprentice or upskilling existing employees, Business Skills Support Advisors offer a free review of training and recruitment needs to identify the best apprenticeship route. Go to www.skillshub.warwickshire.gov.uk for more information.