Virgin Media O2 Launches £1 Million Fund to Boost STEM Apprenticeships
Published: 13 August 2025
Virgin Media O2 has announced a new £1 million Apprenticeship Talent Fund to support small businesses, charities, social enterprises, and local authorities across the UK. The initiative aims to remove barriers to STEM apprenticeship recruitment and promote diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers.
What’s on Offer?
The fund will cover the full cost of apprenticeship training for eligible roles through levy transfers, enabling organisations that do not pay into the apprenticeship levy to access vital funding.
Who Can Apply?
- UK-based small businesses
- Charities
- Social enterprises
- Local authorities
Applicants must be recruiting women or individuals from global majority backgrounds into STEM-based apprenticeships. The fund is intended for new apprentices, not existing staff.
Why It Matters
This initiative addresses key challenges identified in recent research, including:
- Cost pressures
- Complexity of training programmes
- Limited access to levy funds
It aligns with Virgin Media O2’s commitment to inclusive growth and future industry talent development.
How to Apply
There is no set deadline. Interested organisations should:
- Register or sign into the https://www.gov.uk/guidance/manage-apprenticeship-funds.
- Request funds from Virgin Media O2’s apprenticeship levy pot.
For more details, visit the Fuelling the future: £1m Apprenticeship Talent Fund - Virgin Media O2