Virgin Media O2 has announced the launch of a £1 million Apprenticeship Talent Fund to help smaller organisations recruit and train apprentices in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) roles.

The funding will be provided through transfers of Virgin Media O2’s unspent apprenticeship levy funds. It will cover the full cost of approved apprenticeship training for eligible roles, enabling organisations to access financial support they would not otherwise receive.

The initiative is aimed at addressing cost pressures, complexity of training and limited access to levy funds, which have been identified as barriers to apprenticeship recruitment. It also seeks to increase participation from underrepresented groups, particularly women and people from global majority backgrounds, in STEM careers.

The fund is open to UK-based small businesses, charities, social enterprises and local authorities that do not pay the apprenticeship levy. Organisations can apply when hiring a woman or a person from a global majority background for a STEM apprenticeship. The support is intended for new recruits rather than existing staff.

Funding can be used to create new apprenticeship roles for young people or career changers, contributing to the development of a skilled and diverse workforce in STEM sectors.

Applications can be made at any time.