T Group has today launched a new Apprenticeship Fund, designed to support SMEs, charities and public sector organisations across England by providing access to £4m in apprenticeship funding over an initial four-year period.

Since 2017, companies with an annual wage bill of more than £3 million have been required to pay the apprenticeship levy, using the funds to recruit and train apprentices. They can also choose to transfer up to 50% of their levy to help support other companies.

BT Group has partnered with Babington, one of the UK’s largest and longest-established apprenticeship training providers to transfer up to £4 million from its apprenticeship levy funds to help SMEs, charities and the public sector train new apprentices and upskill their existing workforce.

Babington will play a crucial role in matching businesses with appropriate training providers and guiding them through the application process. Successful applicants will be provided with access to funded apprenticeship training within 20 days, subject to meeting funding criteria.

A key focus of the Apprenticeship Fund will be on digital skills development, reflecting BT’s own emphasis on technology and innovation in its apprenticeship programmes. This approach aims to help SMEs bridge the digital skills gap and adopt new technologies, enhancing their competitiveness in an increasingly digital economy.

The Fund is open to SMEs, charities and public sector organisations across England, including the NHS, focusing on apprentices aged 22 and older. It aims to support local economic growth, reduce the digital divide, and enhance social mobility by providing quick access to apprenticeship funding.

Organisations interested in accessing apprenticeship levy funding can register their interest on the BT Group Apprenticeship Fund Portal.