£1m support from Levy Share programme
"We invite you to join us in supporting local Warwickshire businesses. By donating a portion of your levy, you can help drive innovation, growth, and economic prosperity within our region. Together, we can create 
a stronger, more vibrant Warwickshire."
A Warwickshire County Council programme which supports apprenticeships has awarded more than £1million to businesses across the county in 2024.
The programme allows Warwickshire County Council to share part of its apprenticeship levy funds to help businesses take on apprentices by covering the full training costs associated with an apprenticeship. It gives the apprentices their first steps towards a fulfilling career and their employers the opportunity to grow and train their own talent from within.
The programme has been running since 2019 but in 2024 alone more than £1million has been pledged to support 97 apprentices at 38 businesses across the county. Of those apprenticeships, 40 were Level Three, 24 Level Six, 13 Level Five, 12 Level Four and 8 Level two.
Apprenticeships supported were in a range of sectors with 34 in Children's Care, 24 in Adult Care, 20 in Law, Politics & Government, 6 in Manufacturing and 4 in Charity & Social Enterprise.
Among businesses to benefit from the programme is PF Auto Services, in Rugby. Business-owner Paul Francis recruited Kirsty Conopo as an apprentice and she has been instrumental in driving the businesses forward as Paul returns towards full health following a serious back injury.
“It has all worked out beautifully,” said Paul. “It was a really tough situation, but Kirsty has been a godsend. When Adam Plumb of Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub. told me about the apprenticeship support available from the Skills Hub, it was a no brainer to go for it. We are so grateful.
“It has played a massive part in keeping the business going and given Kirsty a great career opportunity. She is already a big asset to the business and will only become a bigger one with all that she is learning.”
Steven Convery, Business Skills Support Officer, at Warwickshire Skills Hub, said: “Paul and Kirsty at PF Auto Services are a great example of how the Apprenticeship Levy Share programme helps all concerned. The employer has a new team member who is gaining all the relevant skills to become a huge asset to the business while the apprentice is gaining skills and experience that will set her up for a lifelong career.
“Their example is being replicated across the county with almost 100 apprentices recruited through the programme this year alone. I would urge any business considering
taking on an apprentice to contact us to see how we might help them.”
Are you a Levy Paying Business Ready to Make a Difference?
We invite you to join us in supporting local Warwickshire businesses. By donating a portion of your levy, you can help drive innovation, growth, and economic prosperity within our region. Together, we can create a stronger, more vibrant Warwickshire.
To learn more about how your levy can be used to support local businesses, please contact Steven Convery at the Warwickshire Skills Hub on stevenconvery@warwickshire.gov.uk Let's work together to build a brighter future for Warwickshire.
* If you would like to know how Warwickshire Skills Hub can support your business with apprenticeships and upskilling, please email
skillshub@warwickshire.gov.uk and one of our Business Support Advisors will be in touch.