OxLEP Skills have announced the significant rollout of the ‘No Limits’ inclusive employability support programme across the Oxford City district – aiming to remove barriers that residents might have in getting into or returning to work, education or training.

The ‘No Limits’ programme is funded in Oxford City until March 2025 by Oxford City Council, through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and is being delivered by Aspire, a charity that supports people in Oxfordshire facing homelessness and disadvantage to secure fulfilling employment and safe housing.

The ‘No Limits 3’ programme will support Oxford City residents (age 16+) in finding employment or skills training, with this unique initiative offering personalised triage support tailored to each participant’s individual needs.

Experienced triage workers will meet participants in familiar community settings, focusing on their overall health and wellbeing – not just employment or training.

Participants will receive one-on-one support, which may include confidence building, personality assessments, aspiration raising, mentoring, CV writing, application assistance, and interview preparation.

The goal of the initiative is to help participants secure high-quality, long-term, sustainable jobs that align with their needs and interests.

The programme also offers support through the provision of travel bursaries for getting to interviews or the first month of a job or apprenticeship, if this is a barrier – and the provision of electronic devices, data and informal digital training programmes for individuals experiencing digital poverty.

Other barriers to employment, education or training (including green skills) – such as certifications or training requirements – can also be accessed and funded through the programme.

Sally Andreou – Skills Hub Manager at OxLEP – said: ”OxLEP Skills is delighted to announce the continuation of the ‘No Limits’ programme across Oxford City, through this UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation. We are excited to continue our partnership with the fantastic Aspire on this project, which aims to help local people gain skills and access resources that can support them into employment.”

“It is essential we continue to support those in our communities struggling to gain employment opportunities and support the wider rollout of skills and training provision.”

Councillor Susan Brown – Leader of Oxford City Council – said: “The ‘No Limits’ programme is a great example of how we can work together to empower local people to gain the skills and resources they need to access and thrive in today’s job market.

“By delivering this initiative through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, we’re making sure more people in the city can benefit from Oxford’s economic success, get into employment, and overcome barriers to opportunity.

“I’m proud to see the ‘No Limits’ programme helping to make Oxford’s economy fairer and more accessible for everyone.”

The announcement comes following the roll-out of a programme of ‘No Limits’ support elsewhere in the county earlier this month – following the wider success of the project which initially launched in 2022.

OxLEP’s latest impact report – which looks back on the last financial year between April 2023 and March 2024 – outlines the significant role and commitment we play in ensuring Oxfordshire has a healthy, thriving and inclusive economy.

The report reflects on the tailored business support delivered by OxLEP Business, the commitment to ensuring we have a strong labour market and pipeline of talent in the county from OxLEP Skills, as well as how our the £1billion of funding we have helped to secure for Oxfordshire has, and continues to make, for our businesses and communities.

We are the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, OxLEP. Our role is to champion Oxfordshire’s economic potential, acting as a catalyst and convener to drive a dynamic, sustainable, and growing economy.

OxLEP works for the people of Oxfordshire; for the entrepreneurs, businesses and social-minded enterprises, and for the county itself and its connectivity, nationally and internationally.

Our mission is to inspire and support business, to secure investment and drive opportunities for economic prosperity across our communities. This report sets out why we do what we do, who has benefitted from our work and the impacts that have been delivered over the period from April 2023 to March 2024.

This Small Business Saturday, award winning apprenticeship employer Olamalu is encouraging other small businesses to celebrate their apprenticeship success by entering the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2025. 

Witney-based web technology business Olamalu helps organisations to work better through their clever use of technology. They build websites, intranets and apps and solve unique business challenges, working with clients every step of the way to deliver tech solutions which meet today’s needs, but are also flexible enough for the future. 

From the moment the business was started over 10 years ago, opening up opportunities for young people to join the technology industry has been at the heart of the way Olamalu operates. 

Director Kate Berman says: “Getting started as a software developer is hard and companies often only want to hire developers with a degree and several years of experience. One of the biggest upsides to building our business from the ground up is that we can craft things our way and incorporate the things that are important to us. So we decided to follow a different path and develop our own entry-level programme for young people. Apprenticeships form a vital part of this and it’s working.”  

“We’re proud to say that 50% of our team came through the apprenticeship route, and our business wouldn’t be where it is today without them. The combination of academic learning and hands-on experience is invaluable for the apprentices and the wider team. It’s a joy to see our apprentices grow their skills and knowledge and to see them take on bigger roles as they progress.” 

“Our apprentices join as junior developers and we prepare them to take on full stack developer roles with us. As they progress, they take on increasing responsibility for projects, internal initiatives and more junior developers. Our most experienced current apprentice has taken on responsibility for the learning and development of the less experienced apprentices and will be moving into a team management role when he graduates. Our two apprenticeship graduates from previous apprenticeship programmes have both moved on to more senior roles in the business. One is now our lead designer and the other is an experienced project manager.” 

In May 2024, Olamalu won the Apprenticeship Employer Award (<250 employees) at the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards and decided to sponsor the category at the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2025 to continue flying the flag for small organisations that employ apprentices. They are encouraging small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to enter to showcase the value that apprentices bring to their workplaces and demonstrate why apprenticeships work for small businesses. 

Kate says: “Winning the award was an incredible feeling after all the hard work we’ve put into getting the scheme up and running and was a great opportunity to raise awareness with other businesses on how rewarding an apprenticeship scheme can be.” 

Olamalu went on to achieve national recognition as an apprenticeship employer, winning the highly commended award in the SME Apprenticeship Employer of the Year (for organisations with 1 to 249 employees) at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards last week (27 November), having won the South East regional final in October. They are looking forward to using their success at national level to help inspire other SMEs to invest in apprenticeships. 

Olamalu’s current apprenticeship programme is focused on a degree apprenticeship in digital technologies. This offers the apprentice the chance to earn a degree as they work in the industry, graduating with no student debt and several years’ experience of practical, relevant work. At the end of the apprenticeship, there are opportunities to progress to next level of role and to keep on growing and learning in the ever-evolving digital world. 

Olamalu are currently recruiting for their next apprentice, who will be undertaking a Software Development Degree Apprenticeship starting in summer 2025. To find out more and apply, visit: https://www.olamalu.com/software-development-degree-apprentice 

Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign that takes place on the first Saturday in December each year to highlight small business success. OxLEP Skills is encouraging SMEs to showcase their apprenticeship success this Small Business Saturday (7 December) by entering the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2025. To enter your business or nominate your apprentices, please visit: https://oxlepskills.co.uk/oaawards 

Olamalu benefitted from education company Pearson’s apprenticeship levy and knowledge transfer fund to help set up their apprenticeship programme. If you own, or work for, a small business, social enterprise or charity and would like to follow in the footsteps of Olamalu by setting up your own apprenticeship scheme, OxLEP Skills has £1M in apprenticeship levy funds available to support local employers with apprenticeship training and assessment costs. These funds have been pledged by employers that pay the apprenticeship levy but don’t utilise all the funds themselves. Find out more at: https://oxlepskills.co.uk/apprenticeshipsupport

OxLEP Skills have announced the significant rollout of our ‘No Limits’ inclusive employability support programme across the West Oxfordshire district – aiming to remove barriers that residents might have in getting into or returning to work, education or training.

The ‘No Limits’ programme is funded in West Oxfordshire until March 2025 by West Oxfordshire District Council, through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and is being delivered by Aspire, a charity that supports people in Oxfordshire facing homelessness and disadvantage to secure fulfilling employment and safe housing.

The ‘No Limits 3’ programme will support West Oxfordshire residents (age 16+) in finding employment or skills training, with this unique initiative offering personalised triage support tailored to each participant’s individual needs.

Experienced triage workers will meet participants in familiar community settings, focusing on their overall health and wellbeing – not just employment or training.

Participants will receive one-on-one support, which may include confidence building, personality assessments, aspiration raising, mentoring, CV writing, application assistance, and interview preparation.

The goal of the initiative is to help participants secure high-quality, long-term, sustainable jobs that align with their needs and interests.

OxLEP’s Apprenticeship Advisor will collaborate with local employers, including SMEs, to optimise the use of the apprenticeship levy for hiring apprentices and fostering inclusivity within their workforce. The advisor will also coordinate with triage workers to identify local apprenticeship vacancies that align with the goals of ‘No Limits’ clients and support applications for suitable opportunities.

The programme also offers support through the provision of travel bursaries for getting to interviews or the first month of a job or apprenticeship, if this is a barrier – and the provision of electronic devices, data and informal digital training programmes for individuals experiencing digital poverty. 

Other barriers to employment, education or training (including green skills) – such as certifications or training requirements – can also be accessed and funded through the programme. 

Sally Andreou – Skills Hub Manager at OxLEP – said: “OxLEP Skills is delighted to announce the continuation of the ‘No Limits’ programme across West Oxfordshire, through this UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation. We are excited to continue our partnership with the fantastic Aspire on this project, which aims to help disadvantaged local people gain secure fulfilling employment and safe housing.  

“It is essential we continue to support those in our communities struggling to gain employment opportunities and support the wider rollout of skills and training provision.”

Giles Hughes – Chief Executive Officer for West Oxfordshire District Council – said: “We are proud to support the No Limits 3 programme, which has been central to boosting local job opportunities.

“By equipping individuals with valuable skills and confidence, this initiative will not only lead to better job prospects but also create a stronger workforce for our local businesses and a more robust local economy. It aligns perfectly with our ongoing efforts to drive economic growth across West Oxfordshire through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.”

The announcement comes following the roll-out of a programme of ‘No Limits’ support elsewhere in the county earlier this month – following the wider success of the project which initially launched in 2022.

The latest set of partner organisations, delivering a skills programme set to have a major impact on employment opportunities, have been announced by the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP).

The £1.2 million Skills Bootcamps programme – part of the Department for Education’s ‘Skills for Life’ activity – is being led in Oxfordshire by OxLEP Skills and is being delivered through to March 2025.

Launched this summer, the programme is all set to give Oxfordshire residents the opportunity to develop a variety of sector-specific skills, helping to fast-track individuals to potential, future interview opportunities and ultimately, paid work.

Skills Bootcamps will particularly boost opportunities for jobseekers, those re-entering work after a career gap, or retirees returning to employment, likely triggered by the cost-of-living crisis.

Skills Bootcamps provides free, flexible courses to its participants – running for up to 16 weeks in some instances – available to residents from across Oxfordshire, subject to the programme’s eligibility criteria.

Several new programme partners have now been announced, delivering a number of further bootcamps as part of the activity and complementing three existing courses already in place since July this year. The new partners and courses being delivered are: 

E-bikes course:

• Activate Learning (cycle maintenance) 

Green construction and green sustainability courses:

• Abingdon & Witney College (plumbing and heating skills, and sustainability in the workplace) 

Hospitality course:

• Kiwi & Yuzu Ltd (hospitality supervision)

These new courses follow the initial batch of Skills Bootcamps opportunities previously announced by OxLEP Skills, focused on health and life sciences and a further green construction-led bootcamp.

Those partners and courses being:

Health and life sciences courses:

• CSR Scientific Training (laboratory assistant or laboratory technician skills)
• Skills4Pharmacy (pharmacy laboratory technician skills) 

Green construction course:

• Reed in Partnership (heat pump skills)

More widely, Skills Bootcamps are set to play a key role across many Oxfordshire businesses and sectors, helping them to address specific skills gaps.

Critical gaps have previously been identified via the county’s Local Skills Improvement Plan.

Nigel Tipple – Chief Executive of OxLEP – said: “We are delighted to be announcing our second set of providers for the Skills Bootcamps programme. 

“The programme builds upon our solid reputation of supporting Oxfordshire residents to reach their potential whilst also helping our business community to benefit from a well-trained, pipeline of talent. 

“Skills Bootcamps will increase the supply of technical qualifications and skills in Oxfordshire, helping to give some of our key industries and our SME community greater resilience during a key economic period. 

“We are delighted to be working with even more delivery partners, each set to provide top learning opportunities for the programme’s participants. 

“Everyone at OxLEP is extremely excited to be leading this programme and look forward to seeing the positive results Skills Bootcamps will have right across Oxfordshire. 

“We believe it will make a significant impact on our county’s workforce and one, very much for the better.”

OxLEP are also keen to ensure the programme continues to meet business need and is asking the county’s business community to play its part, including potentially creating interview opportunities for those successfully completing courses.

Nigel Tipple added: “Ultimately, we want to ensure people are finding their way into employment at the end of their Skills Bootcamps journey – with that in mind, if your business operates in any of the sectors the programme is supporting, we would be delighted to hear from you and understand what career opportunities could arise within your business for our successful individuals.”

Find out more on Skills Bootcamps.

OxLEP Skills have announced the significant rollout of their ‘No Limits’ inclusive employability support programme across the Cherwell district – aiming to remove barriers that residents might have in getting into or returning to work, education or training.

The ‘No Limits’ programme is funded in Cherwell until March 2025 by Cherwell District Council, through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and is being delivered by food distribution and education charity SOFEA.

The programme aims to provide person-centred support for Cherwell residents (aged 16 plus) who are seeking employment, or who are economically inactive (i.e. not actively seeking work), to address barriers they may have to accessing education, training or employment.

This may include individuals who have experienced physical and mental health challenges, a form of exclusion, domestic violence, unemployment, redundancy and low skills/qualification attainment.

The programme is set to provide individuals with up to 30 hours of 1:1 support with finding employment, education, or training – with support in areas such as CV writing, application forms and preparation for interviews.

The programme also offers support through the provision of travel bursaries for getting to interviews or the first month of a job or apprenticeship if this is a barrier – and the provision of electronic devices, data and informal digital training programmes for individuals experiencing digital poverty. 

Other barriers to employment, education or training (including green skills) – such as certifications or training requirements – can also be accessed and funded through the programme. 

Sally Andreou – Skills Hub Manager at OxLEP – said: “OxLEP Skills is delighted to announce the continuation of the ‘No Limits’ programme across Cherwell, through this UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation. We are excited to continue our partnership with the fantastic SOFEA on this project, which aims to help local people gain skills and access resources that can support them into employment.”  

“It is essential we continue to support those in our communities struggling to gain employment opportunities and support the wider rollout of skills and training provision.”

Councillor Lesley McLean, Deputy Leader of Cherwell District Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance, Property and Regeneration, said: “There are all sorts of reasons why people might need a helping hand returning to the workforce or to education.

“This important investment is a sign that we believe in our residents’ potential – we want people to flourish in work and education and the No Limits programme is an excellent way for people to embrace new skills and opportunities as they prepare for the next stage of their careers.”

The ninth annual Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards will once again shine a spotlight on our county’s apprentices – and the businesses and organisations, training providers and schools that support their journey – recognising the huge contribution they make to our county’s economy at a special awards ceremony on Thursday 22 May 2025 at Blenheim Palace.

We’re delighted to introduce award-winning 5 star housebuilder The Hill Group as our headline sponsor.

Here, Ryan Harris, Regional Director at The Hill Group, explains why they have chosen to be the headline sponsor and what apprenticeships mean to them.

Why are you supporting the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards and what it means to you to be the headline sponsor?

As a rapidly growing business, Hill recognises the crucial importance of attracting talented individuals and nurturing their development to ensure our industry’s workforce continues to evolve. We believe that one of the most effective ways to train and develop future professionals is through hands-on apprenticeships, where individuals can acquire technical knowledge and gain practical experience while earning a respectable salary. For this reason, we decided to support the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards as the headline sponsor – to raise awareness of apprenticeship programmes and to commend the hard work and dedication of apprentices in the local region.

Being the headline sponsor means a great deal to us. It allows us to actively contribute to celebrating the achievements of apprentices and to highlight the significant impact they have on the industry. Some of our apprentices are part of the OxLEP Apprenticeship Ambassador Scheme, and we know how powerful it is for apprentices to share their experiences to inspire the next generation and help them make informed career choices. We are proud to recognise and support this through our sponsorship of the awards.

What are you looking for in the overall Apprentice of the Year?

We are seeking an inspirational individual who goes the extra mile – not only demonstrating exceptional commitment to their learning and growth over time but also inspiring the next generation by sharing their experiences. This person should exemplify excellence in their field, show remarkable personal development, and actively contribute to the industry by motivating others.

What would you say to anyone thinking about entering or nominating?

Go for it! Be proud of what you have achieved, and seize this opportunity to celebrate your hard work – whether you are an apprentice or a mentor considering nominating an apprentice. This is a chance to recognise excellence, inspire others in the industry and highlight the value of apprenticeships in building successful careers.

Tell us about your organisation’s experience of apprenticeships

The Hill Group is very passionate about the apprenticeship route. As a business, 17% of our staff have either completed or are currently enrolled in the Hill Management Trainee Programme, achieving degree-level qualifications through an “earn as you learn” role. We were recently awarded platinum status from The 5% Club in recognition of our commitment to apprenticeships.

We also encourage our supply chain to recruit or support apprentices through a shared apprenticeship scheme, recognising how vital on-site experience is for apprentices to achieve their qualifications and build successful careers in our industry.

Hill is excited to be working in the Oxford region and is keen to recruit local people to progress through our company. If you are interested in our Management Trainee Programme or apprenticeship opportunities with our supply chain, please get in touch at trainees@hill.co.uk.

About the awards

The awards will be open for entries and nominations until midnight on the evening of Monday 24 February 2025. Finalists will be announced during Oxfordshire Apprenticeships Hour (hashtag #OAHour) across the OxLEP Skills social media channels from 13:00 on Thursday 24 April 2025. Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony on Thursday 22 May 2025.

If you would like the opportunity to support the awards, please get in touch.

Join us for Oxfordshire Apprenticeships Hour (#OAHour) on X @OxonApprentice from 13:00-14:00 every Thursday for latest on the Awards and join in the conversation using the hashtag #OAAwards2025.

The ninth annual Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards will once again shine a spotlight on our county’s apprentices – and the businesses and organisations, training providers and schools that support their journey – recognising the huge contribution they make to our county’s economy at a special awards ceremony on Thursday 22 May 2025 at Blenheim Palace.

We’re delighted to introduce Milestone Infrastructure as sponsor of the Special Recognition Award, which will recognise apprentices who have achieved in overcoming significant challenges or barriers to learning or work.

Here, Phil Raven, Operations Manager – Oxfordshire Highways at Milestone Infrastructure, explains why the company has chosen to sponsor this award and what apprenticeships mean to them.

Why are you supporting the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards and why you have chosen to sponsor your particular category?

Milestone Infrastructure is committed to supporting apprentices to develop their careers in civil engineering and the construction industry.

We were delighted to win three Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards in 2024: Employer of the Year, Intermediate Apprentice and overall Apprentice of the Year. It was an excellent awards ceremony and a great opportunity to showcase outstanding individual apprentices and employers as well as the many exciting career paths on offer in diverse industries throughout Oxfordshire.

Milestone recognises the importance of apprenticeships and has been actively involved in supporting and developing several apprenticeships at different levels within Oxfordshire over the last 6 years. Our apprentices are core to our talent development and help us maintain the county’s road network.

2025 is our third year as an Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards category sponsor, once again supporting the Special Recognition Award. This award highlights outstanding individuals who have overcome difficult challenges and delivered exceptional outcomes. We are thrilled to have the chance to sponsor this award again and to recognise individuals who are making the most of their apprenticeship journey.

What are you looking for in the winner of your category?

We are looking for an individual who has shown clear enthusiasm, commitment and initiative to make the most of the opportunity that their apprenticeship has given them, despite facing some difficult challenges. They will demonstrate how their determination and strength of character has enabled them to apply the skills and knowledge they have gained, helping them to progress in their career.

What would you say to anyone thinking about entering or nominating?

Go for it! This is your chance to get recognition for all the hard work you’ve put in and acknowledge the role that your employer and mentors have played in supporting you. It’s also a chance for you to be a role model for others thinking of undertaking a similar apprenticeship. Ask your colleagues or manager for feedback on what they think would make you stand out in your entry.

Tell us about your organisation’s experience of apprenticeships

Milestone have a track record of employing apprentices at all levels within the highway maintenance sector. Within the Oxfordshire Highways Partnership contract, we currently have 16 apprentices at various levels from level 2 up to degree apprenticeship. Many of these apprentices rotate around different parts of the business to get a broad experience of the varied work we do in maintaining Oxfordshire’s roads.

About the awards

The awards will be open for entries and nominations until midnight on the evening of Monday 24 February 2025. Finalists will be announced during Oxfordshire Apprenticeships Hour (hashtag #OAHour) across the OxLEP Skills social media channels from 13:00 on Thursday 24 April 2025. Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony on Thursday 22 May 2025.

If you would like the opportunity to support the awards, please get in touch.

Join us for Oxfordshire Apprenticeships Hour (#OAHour) on X @OxonApprentice from 13:00-14:00 every Thursday for latest on the Awards and join in the conversation using the hashtag #OAAwards2025.

The ninth annual Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards will once again shine a spotlight on our county’s apprentices – and the businesses and organisations, training providers and schools that support their journey – recognising the huge contribution they make to our county’s economy at a special awards ceremony on Thursday 22 May 2025 at Blenheim Palace.

We’re delighted to introduce Abbott Diabetes Care as sponsor of the Intermediate Apprentice of the Year Award, which will recognises level 2 apprentices who have been in post for at least 9 months and have excelled in their work, learning and development and made exceptional contributions to their workplaces.

Abbott Diabetes Care develop healthcare solutions, from next-generation diagnostic tools that put patients on the path to better health sooner to trusted medicines that help people of all ages stay active and vital.

Here, Shaun Smith, Site Director at Abbott Diabetes Care in Witney, explains why the company has chosen to sponsor the awards and what apprenticeships mean to them.

Why are you supporting the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards and why you have chosen to sponsor your particular category?

We are committed to supporting the next generation of engineers and technicians. We have our own longstanding and successful apprenticeship scheme, so this award fits nicely with our ethos.

We encourage and support people to pursue further education through a variety of routes other than University, with apprenticeships having the advantage of providing on the job skills and experience.

What are you looking for in the winner of your category?

I am looking for individuals that have embraced the opportunity to mix learning and work experience to deepen their knowledge and understanding. Someone that has demonstrated the ability to take their learning and apply it in the workplace. Enthusiasm and a commitment to make the best of their skills.

What would you say to anyone thinking about entering or nominating?

Whenever you enter anything, think about what you offer that maybe no-one else does. That way, win or lose you know you have searched deep in exploring what you offer and where you add potential value. You have given yourself your best shot at winning.

If you don’t win, you have enhanced your learning by networking with those in your field.

Tell us about your organisation’s experience of apprenticeships

We have employed apprentices at ADC for over 20 years with many of our earliest apprentices remaining in the business. I have mentored and supported them in many ways during their time in the business. Our apprentices help move our business forward. I continue to advocate them in our business and am actively looking at how we can expand our scheme to take more.

About the awards

The awards will be open for entries and nominations until midnight on the evening of Monday 24 February 2025. Finalists will be announced during Oxfordshire Apprenticeships Hour (hashtag #OAHour) across the OxLEP Skills social media channels from 13:00 on Thursday 24 April 2025. Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony on Thursday 22 May 2025.

If you would like the opportunity to support the awards, please get in touch.

Join us for Oxfordshire Apprenticeships Hour (#OAHour) on X @OxonApprentice from 13:00-14:00 every Thursday for latest on the Awards and join in the conversation using the hashtag #OAAwards2025.