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 Jonas Software UK & Europe as a sponsor of the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2025.

Jonas Software UK & Europe acquires and grows innovative software firms, forming lifetime partnerships. Watch the Jonas Software UK and Europe group annual event film to find out more about them.

Here, Laureen McHaffie, Head of People & Culture, explains why the company have chosen to sponsor the awards and what apprenticeships mean to them.

Why are you supporting the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards?

We acquire businesses and hold them for life. Our first acquisition was Gladstone Software (based in Wallingford), then shortly followed by Xn Leisure (based in Abingdon). Our Head Office is also located in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, along with our central Finance, IT and People & Culture teams.

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

Entering or nominating an apprentice can be a valuable and rewarding experience for both the apprentice and the sponsoring organisation. Here are some key points to consider:

Investing in future talent:
Apprenticeships provide an opportunity to invest in the future workforce by developing skilled individuals who can contribute to the success of the organisation.

Skill development:
Apprenticeships offer hands-on, practical experience that can complement theoretical knowledge. This dual approach enhances the apprentice’s skill set, making them well-rounded professionals.

Diverse perspectives:
Apprenticeships can bring fresh perspectives and ideas to your organisation. New talent often brings innovation and can contribute to problem-solving in unique ways.

Long-term talent pipeline:
Apprenticeships can serve as a strategic approach to building a sustainable talent pipeline. By investing in training early in someone’s career, you increase the likelihood of retaining skilled professionals in the long term.

Tell us about your organisation’s experience of apprenticeships

We are still new to the apprenticeship programme, but we are building out lots of opportunities, not just to bring in entry level but upskilling existing employees. We have recently enjoyed success with our CMI level 3 & level 5 programme. In addition, we support apprentices in finance, network engineering and IT & telecoms across our group, we hope to grow this in 2024 and beyond.

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 Activate Apprenticeships as a sponsor of the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2025.

Here, Anne-Marie Everett, Group Marketing Business Partner for Activate Apprenticeships, explains why they have chosen to sponsor the awards and what apprenticeships mean to them.

Why are you supporting the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards?

Activate Apprenticeships is proud to support the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards. As a local organisation, we believe it is vital to celebrate the apprentices and employers who contribute so much to the success of our local economy. Recognising these achievements aligns with our commitment to developing skills and providing opportunities within the Oxfordshire community.

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

Go for it! Recognising the hard work and dedication of apprentices, employers and education providers is essential. By participating, you can highlight the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses and the wider community.

Tell us about your organisation’s experience of apprenticeships

Founded in 2013, Activate Apprenticeships is one of the largest apprenticeship providers across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Surrey, with expanding operations throughout the UK.

We specialize in delivering tailored apprenticeship programmes, training and consulting services to some of the nation’s top employers. By collaborating with these businesses, we create apprenticeship opportunities that not only enhance individual careers but also drive business success.

As experts in apprenticeship reforms, we offer clients guidance on every aspect of learning and development, from recruitment to funding compliance. Our goal is to ensure a strong return on training investment, helping businesses thrive while supporting the next generation of skilled workers.

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 the South East Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (SEAAN) as a sponsor of the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2025.

Why are you supporting the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards?

The Apprenticeship Ambassador Network is the movement championing apprenticeships to raise awareness and increase engagement to meet the needs of employers, communities and individuals across the country.

The aims of the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards align perfectly with our mission to champion apprenticeships. Being a sponsor of the awards gives us a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the successes of apprentices and recognise the commitment of those who support them throughout their apprenticeship journey and beyond.

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

Do it! This is a brilliant opportunity to celebrate the achievements of your apprentices and raise the profile of your business as an apprenticeship employer.

Tell us about your organisation’s experience of apprenticeships

The South East Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (SEAAN) is of a group of employers whose main aim is to spearhead the drive to engage new employers to commit to apprenticeship delivery across South East England.

Ambassadors undertake their role, on a voluntary basis, by supporting and influencing a wide range of key stakeholders including schools, colleges, employers and their supply chains, trade associations and employment bodies.

We champion and support marketing, publicity and events to raise awareness of apprenticeships. They also provide mentoring and support for employers looking to recruit apprentices for the first time.

There is also a well-established Young Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (YAAN) attached to the SEAAN. The YAAN helps to promote apprenticeships to young people.

Find out more at https://seaan.org.uk and follow us on LinkedIn and X to keep up with the latest news and events in our region.

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 Oxfordshire County Council as a supporter of the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2025.

Why are you supporting the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards?

The Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards are a great opportunity for employers to celebrate Apprentices and recognise the people who work hard to make them happen.

We are keen to support and champion the delivery of apprenticeships and workforce growth in organisations across Oxfordshire.

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

We would like to say “go for it” – it is a great opportunity to promote your commitment to apprenticeships, and to recognise the achievements of your apprentices, managers, teams and providers that support them.

Tell us about your organisation’s experience of apprenticeships

Oxfordshire County Council is one of the largest employers in Oxfordshire, with over 10,000 employees (including our maintained school staff) working in a wide variety of services including Fire and Rescue, Social Care, Engineering, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Property Management and IT.

Since 2007, we have steadily built up the number of apprentices we employ and the range of schemes we offer. Currently we have 280 apprentices training across our wider workforce (including maintained schools) in a diverse range of roles. We deliver around 50 different apprenticeship standards.

The aim of our apprenticeship hub is to support all our colleagues and teams by providing a centralised support service across our organisation with all aspects of apprenticeship training.

Our apprentices go on to achieve great things, improving our services and helping our organisation go from strength to strength.

Our range of apprenticeships we offer has grown every year; in the last year we have introduced a great deal of new programs including:
L6 Trading Standards Officer
L4 Cyber security technologist
L6 Youth Worker
L4 Town Planning assistant
L4 Quality Practitioner
L5 Coaching Professional

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 are delighted to introduce electrical and building services engineering company Darke & Taylor as a sponsor of the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2025.

Here, joint Managing Director Simon Newton explains why apprenticeships are so important to the firm and why they’re supporting the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards for the ninth year running.

Why are you supporting the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards?

Apprenticeships are a key element of our business and instrumental in enabling us to build a skilled and loyal workforce. At Darke & Taylor, our apprentices and our apprenticeship scheme have won awards and we know what a positive impact this has on our business, which makes us all the more keen to support our local awards.

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

If you are an apprentice or you know of one that really adds value in the workplace, that enjoys their job and knows they have made a great decision in following the apprenticeship route, then you should not hesitate to enter or nominate.

The process is very straightforward and the application form simple to complete, no trick questions, just an opportunity to speak positively and honestly about the apprenticeship experience. The awards will celebrate all that is good about apprenticeships in Oxfordshire and being nominated, making the final or possibly even winning are all positive experiences that apprentices and their employers will benefit from.

Tell us about your organisation’s experience of apprenticeships

The apprenticeship initiative at Darke & Taylor has evolved over time to become the cornerstone on which the company and its progression is founded. Today it is a vital part of our business model which recognises that sustainable success is about developing people. Over the last 50 years the company has offered jobs and training to in excess of 350 young school leavers and today over 20% of the workforce are engaged in an apprenticeship learning to become electricians, fire & security engineers, business administrators and ICT specialists.

Darke & Taylor is committed to apprenticeships and our scheme is special because it really delivers; four of our current Board Directors, two Associate Directors, eight senior managers and the majority of our senior engineers completed their apprenticeships with the company. We are very proud of our award-winning apprenticeships.

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 High Spec Composites as a sponsor of the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2025.

Here, Sarah Jaycock, Co-founder and Executive Director, explains why they have chosen to sponsor the awards and what apprenticeships mean to them.

Why are you supporting the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards?

High Spec has been a passionate supporter of the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards, both as a committee member and sponsor since the awards launched in 2017. Having grown our small business through apprenticeships we understand the great benefits apprentices can bring to a company and are keen to share our positive experiences with a wider network whilst celebrating star apprentices throughout Oxfordshire.

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

Over the years we have been applicants, finalists, winners, sponsors, headline sponsors and committee members when it comes to apprenticeship awards – and we’d strongly encourage anyone thinking about entering to do so!

The application process itself can be incredibly rewarding, regardless of how the application progresses; it can provide the perfect opportunity for both businesses and individuals to appreciate and reflect on the value of their apprenticeship/apprenticeship provisions and to celebrate how far they have come.

For those who reach finalist stages, or become winners, you’ll also have an amazing award which can benefit you for many years to come!

Tell us about your organisation’s experience of apprenticeships

High Spec Composites is a keen advocate of apprenticeships having grown the business through apprenticeship programmes since establishment in 2010.

We have an extremely high success rate with completion of our level 2 and level 3 qualifications and all our apprentices have been offered full-time positions within High Spec Composites at the end of their learning.

Some of our more ambitious apprentices have progressed though the business into leadership and management roles and others, with support from High Spec, have launched into exciting roles within F1.

We have found employing apprentices is not only cost-effective solution for expanding a small business, but also the perfect opportunity to train individuals to bespoke business needs.

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 Olamalu as sponsor of the Apprenticeship Employer Award (<250 employees). The team at Olamalu help organisations to work better through their clever use of technology. They build websites, intranets, apps and can solve unique business challenges.

Here, Kate Berman, Director, explains why Olamalu have chosen to sponsor the awards and what apprenticeships mean to them.

Why are you supporting the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards?

The Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards celebrate the valuable role that apprenticeships play in the business community. It’s critical to keep telling stories of successful apprenticeships and raising awareness of the opportunities both to potential apprentices and to local businesses. By supporting these awards, we hope to make clear our commitment to apprenticeships as a way to get started in a career and to develop the skills to succeed in that career.

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

A clear commitment to apprenticeships as a way to bring value to both the apprentices and the organisation. Investment in learning and development throughout the appprenticeship and support for progression post-apprenticeship. An apprenticeship programme that is truly integrated into the organisation.

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

Give it a go! We should all celebrate the achievements of apprentices. There are so many wonderful stories of success to share. And you might inspire someone else to apply for an apprenticeship and start their own amazing apprentice story.

Tell us about your organisation’s experience of apprenticeships

From the moment we started the business, opening up opportunities for young people to join the technology industry has been at the heart of the way we operate. Getting started as a software developer is hard. Companies often only want to hire developers with a degree and several years of experience. We decided to follow a different path and develop our own entry-level programme. Apprenticeships form a vital part of this.

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 apprentice and for 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 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.

We were delighted to have been the winner of the Apprenticeship Employer of the Year (< 250 Employees) at the 2024 Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards and to then go on to be named winner of the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT SME Apprenticeship Employer of the Year Award at the South East National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2024.

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 Popham Hairdressing as sponsor of the Rising Star Award, which will recognise apprentices who have been in post for less than 9 months and have already excelled in their work, learning and development and made exceptional contributions to their workplaces.

Here, Shirley Popham, Managing Director, explains why Popham Hairdressing have 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?

The Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards changed the whole way our training programme has been viewed and therefore the increased applications we receive.

Since winning the Apprenticeship Employer Award (<250 employees) in 2018, our apprenticeship programme is so strong and we are delighted to now have 77% homegrown staff, which makes a huge difference to the ongoing expansion and growth of Popham.

We have chosen to sponsor this category as our apprentice, Liv was a finalist in this category last year and we like the continuity that brings the award. I intend to bring her will our interviews, when judging the category.

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

An apprentice who has made a huge impact in their own career, in their way of being as well as for the company they work for, in the first year of the apprenticeship. Someone who really goes above and beyond in their approach to being an apprentice.

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

Enter, if you aren’t in it you can’t win it!

It is such an accolade from your employer to be nominated or just enter yourself – it really boosts morale and makes you see the value in yourself, which sometimes can be hard for people to see.

Tell us about your organisation’s experience of apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a fundamental part of our business and make a difference to every day with our team. Without the support of our apprentices, our team could not deliver what they do. It was highlighted how much difference they make to us during the Covid come back when we weren’t allowed to utilise our apprentices.

We work very closely with a training provider who does the theoretical part of our programme and we do the practical part but fundamentally, the apprentices are our team.

It is a joy to see that 21 of our team have now come through our programme and to see them flying in their careers, makes it totally worthwhile.

I would recommend using an apprenticeship to train in our industry as opposed to a college, because its so much more. Its hands on, meaning you earn while you learn and when you qualify, you are actually able to perform your job, rather than starting from scratch.

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 Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust as sponsor of the Inspiring The Future Employer Award, which will recognise employers in Oxfordshire who have gone the extra mile to inform and inspire the next generation, including engaging with local schools and colleges.

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust provides physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset. Their services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people’s homes. We focus on delivering care as close to home as possible.

Here, Vicky Drew, Deputy Head of Learning and Development and Robyn Venables, Education Quality Assurance Lead, explain why they have 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?

Oxford Health are very pleased to sponsor the Inspiring the Future Employer Award.

As a provider, but also a large employer, we know how important it is to inspire and support apprentices. We are looking forward to hearing about who is doing this particularly well and would like to shine a light on them.

We continue to support the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards as we are passionate about the talent and skills we have here in Oxfordshire. It is also a wonderful way to network and get to know other apprenticeship partners.

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

We are looking for an employer who goes that extra mile to inspire the next generation, as well as support their learners to achieve and thrive. We would like to hear about how employers encourage and support their apprentices to engage with school and colleges, so that young people are enthused and curious about apprenticeship programmes.

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

Do not think twice! There are numerous benefits to entering or nominating an employer; including recognition, sharing of good practice, opening doors to future opportunities, and of course getting to attend a magnificent celebration event.

Tell us about your organisation’s experience of apprenticeships

We started our apprenticeship journey as a provider in 2017 and now, as a Main Provider, have a whole suite of programmes on offer. We play a big part in ensuring there are enough qualified healthcare staff locally; whether we deliver the programmes or partner with universities.

If you know a recently qualified Healthcare Assistant, Nurse, or Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner in Oxfordshire, then they probably were an apprentice with us! We also offer leadership, administration, and education apprenticeships – so we really do have something for everyone!

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.

OxLEP offers the following update with regards to the procurement of the following services which was originally published on this website on 10 October 2024.

The update relates to the following lots:

Skills Bootcamps for Oxfordshire 2024/2025
Procurement Ref: Skills – #SB1
Lot: 3 Digital Marketing
Notice that procurement of has been abandoned.

Skills Bootcamps for Oxfordshire 2024/2025
Procurement Ref: Skills – #SB1
Lot: 4 Data Analytics
Notice that procurement of has been abandoned.

We refer to the above procurement for services.

Please note that we have taken the decision not to proceed with the procurement of Lot 3 and Lot 4 for the following reasons:

1. To preserve public funds; and
2. To consider overall funding environment as required by the Skills Bootcamps.

We will be giving notice advising of an incomplete procedure in the UK e-notification service confirming this decision.

Please note that we do not intend to commence a new procurement process for these services.

The ‘Grow Your Own’ Apprenticeship Levy Pledge initiative is a key part of the government-funded Social Contract Programme – however Oxfordshire funds will be returned to the Treasury if they remain unused.

OxLEP Skills is urging Oxfordshire businesses to get in touch if they’re interested in taking on an apprentice – or upskilling current staff through apprenticeships – to find out if they could be eligible to funds, with less than six months until the programme is currently set to draw to a close.

Employers with an annual pay bill of over £3m pay 0.5% of this as an apprenticeship levy and are able to pledge up to 50% of their levy annually. Through the ‘Grow Your Own’ Apprenticeship Levy Pledge Initiative, businesses are supported in pledging their unused levy funds and transferring them to eligible Oxfordshire based small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), charities and social enterprises to help fund their apprenticeship training and assessment.

Since the programme began back in May 2022, over £2.3m has been successfully allocated through the fund, with £1.3m remaining to eligible businesses to fulfill their own apprenticeship aspirations. Any funds that remain unused after the programme end will be lost to Oxfordshire and over a period of time returned to the Treasury – so OxLEP Skills are urging willing recipients to get in touch today.

Since May 2022, over £3.6m has been pledged through the initiative – far exceeding an original £1.3 million target of pledges set for the Social Contract programme – with 251 apprenticeships created in Oxfordshire since the programme began.

The Social Contract programme is a £1.7 million programme of activity funded by the government’s Contain Outbreak Management Fund, via Oxfordshire County Council and led by OxLEP Skills – to address the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic relating to unemployment, barriers to employment, education, and training.

Sally Andreou, Skills Hub Manager at OxLEP – said: “Our ‘Grow Your Own’ Apprenticeship Levy Pledge Initiative has been hugely successful since it began, and we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of larger businesses in ensuring apprenticeship levy funds are retained within the county – and supporting the county’s SMEs to fulfill their own apprenticeship ambitions.

“We really want to get across the urgency of organisations in the county getting in touch – even if they’re unsure as to whether they’re eligible to the levy funds – with our Apprenticeship Advisor team, to find out what support could be available to them, as the pledged levy won’t be here forever and it’s vital as much skills support as possible remains here in the county.

“Understandably, not all of our SMEs in Oxfordshire feel they are in a place to take on a new employee at this time – however another thing we want to stress is the impact apprenticeships can have in upskilling current employees and unlocking new opportunities and expertise with existing staff members also.

“Whatever your business’ skills and training ambitions, the time is certainly now though to ensure those funds get utilised – it really is a case of ‘use it or lose it’.”

Find out if your business could be eligible to take up the levy funding, pledge your own levy, or find out more about the other initiatives within the Social Contract by getting in touch with OxLEP Skills’ Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Advisors today: skills@oxfordshirelep.com.

The skills gap in the UK continues to be a significant challenge for businesses, particularly as industries evolve and new demands emerge. Apprenticeships are one of the most effective solutions to this challenge, offering businesses a way to grow their own skilled workforce while playing a part in the growth of their community by creating opportunities for individuals to gain valuable work experience and become a loyal and skilled employee. However, navigating the financial aspects of hiring an apprenticecan be complex. That’s where the OxLEP Skills Apprenticeship Levy Scheme comes in – a resource designed to make apprenticeships more accessible and beneficial for businesses of all sizes.

What is the Apprenticeship Levy?

The Apprenticeship Levy is a UK government initiative introduced in April 2017, aimed at boosting investment in apprenticeships and ensuring businesses take an active role in developing the skills of their future workforce. The levy applies to businesses with an annual wage bill of over £3 million, which are required to pay 0.5% of their payroll towards the levy. Large employers who are not making full use of their levy can pledge their levy via the OxLEP Skills Apprenticeship Levy Scheme. OxLEP Skills has been able ringfence over £1.6 million of unused levy for the use of small and medium sized business in Oxfordshire to access and use to help towards the cost of taking on an apprentice or upskilling current staff via an apprenticeship.

Smaller businesses that don’t pay the levy can access apprenticeship funding, with the government covering 95% of the cost of apprenticeship training for these companies. This makes it an attractive option for SMEs looking to grow and future-proof their workforce!

The benefits of the OxLEP Skills Apprenticeship Levy Scheme

At OxLEP Skills, we understand that small and medium businesses need to make the most of their resources, and the Apprenticeship Levy Scheme is designed to do just that. If you are a small or medium business in Oxfordshire seeking to benefit from apprenticeship funding, the scheme can help you recruit, train, and retain talented individuals. Here are some key advantages of engaging with the OxLEP Skills Apprenticeship Levy Scheme:

1. Recruit and train the workforce of tomorrow

Apprenticeships allow businesses to shape the development of individuals from the start of their careers. By providing tailored training and real-world experience, businesses can ensure that apprentices learn the specific skills needed for their industry. Through the levy scheme, businesses can use funds to recruit apprentices who will contribute to the company’s growth while gaining invaluable qualifications. As apprenticeships range across various industries, including engineering, digital, construction, and health care, businesses can hire from a wide pool of talent.

2. Maximise the use of levy funds in Oxfordshire while they last

OxLEP Skills has retained over £3.6 million in levy pledges from large employers across the county, and has been able to allocate a first £2.3 million to helping small and medium businesses embark on an apprenticeship journey. However, there is still over £1.3 million worth of pledged levy yet to be utilised by small and medium businesses across Oxfordshire which will be lost if not used by March 2025. If you are a small or medium business in Oxfordshire who is considering upskilling or recruiting via apprenticeships, get in touch with OxLEP Skills to see how funding from the Apprenticeship Levy Scheme could help your business on the path to growth.

3. Support business growth and development

Apprenticeship schemes are proven to improve productivity, bring fresh perspectives, and support business growth. By investing in apprenticeships, businesses can cultivate a loyal and skilled workforce, filling any potential skills gaps and ensuring long-term success. OxLEP Skills works closely with businesses to identify their skills needs and match them with suitable apprenticeship programmes, ensuring that the training aligns with the company’s strategic goals.

4. Attract and retain talent

In today’s competitive job market, attracting and retaining the right talent is essential. Apprenticeships provide businesses with the opportunity to develop individuals from within, creating a motivated and skilled workforce. Apprentices who have been trained in-house are more likely to remain with the business, as they feel valued and invested in. This reduces the cost of recruitment and employee turnover while fostering loyalty among staff.

5. Flexible training for employees at all levels

Apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers or those new to a role. Many businesses use the levy to upskill existing employees, offering them the opportunity to gain new qualifications and advance within the organisation. Whether it’s leadership training for management or technical skills development for operational staff, the flexibility of apprenticeship programmes allows businesses to create tailored learning opportunities for employees at all stages of their careers.

How OxLEP Skills can help your business

At OxLEP Skills, we’re committed to helping Oxfordshire businesses tap into the potential of apprenticeships through the Apprenticeship Llevy Sscheme. We offer tailored support to ensure businesses of all sizes understand how to access and make the most of apprenticeship funding.

From identifying the right apprenticeship programme to guiding you through the funding process, our expert team of Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Advisors is here to help. By facilitating levy transfers, we are enabling large employers to transfer up to 50%of their levy funds to smaller businesses or charities within their network. This collaborative approach strengthens the local business community, ensuring all organisations have access to the skills training they need to thrive.

Get started with OxLEP Skills Apprenticeship Levy Scheme

If your business is looking to grow and invest in the future workforce, the OxLEP Skills Apprenticeship Levy Scheme is here to support you. We can help you navigate the process and find the right apprenticeship opportunities for your business’ needs.

To find out more about how OxLEP Skills can help your business maximise its potential through apprenticeships, visit our apprenticeship support for employers web page or contact our team at skills@oxfordshirelep.com.