Friday December 13 2024
Swindon & Wiltshire News
Insurance giant Aviva has joined the list of large national and regional businesses pledging support for SMEs to employ apprenticeships through a scheme run by the West of England Combined Authority.
Aviva, which has a large operation at Stoke Gifford, has joined the Share to Support scheme and pledged £100,000.
The scheme sees apprentice levy-paying employers passing on their unused levy funds so that more apprenticeships can be created by small employers.
Share to Support has already attracted nearly £4 million in pledges and supported 300 apprentices.
Metro mayor used the platform of National Apprenticeship Week to call on more large employers to join the scheme.
“Thank you to Aviva for signing up to the West of England Share to Support scheme. This means even more cash raised for apprenticeship training in the West stays in the West,” he said.
“I am proud of Share to Support. The millions we’ve already raised is being put to excellent use here, helping equip local people right across our region with the skills they need.
“But I want us to go further. That’s why I am encouraging more West of England firms to sign up – and help us train up even more locals and share opportunities for everyone.”
Aviva joins the likes of Airbus, GKN, Southern Co-op, and others, supporting smaller firms take on apprentices in the West.
Danny Harmer, Aviva’s chief people officer, said: “Apprenticeships create fantastic opportunities for people to develop and evolve their careers, regardless of age or experience.
“So we are gifting some of our Apprenticeship Levy to businesses across the West of England to help their employees develop the skills they need now and to get ready for the future.”
Alex Richards, managing director at Western Training Provider Network, said: “Every pledge makes a difference to our smaller businesses and our residents, and this pledge will go a long way towards improving career and life opportunities for apprentices.
“We can’t thank Aviva enough. Pledged funds like this change lives for the better. We have met with apprentices of all ages that these funds support and have heard firsthand the stories of personal growth and development, literally life-changing for some.”
Pictured: Dan Norris with staff and apprentices at B&Q
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