The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, through its Growth Works with Skills initiative, has been given access to new funds to support apprenticeship training within local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The Combined Authority has been pledged £100,000 from the BBC's Apprenticeship Levy fund. This generous contribution will enable individuals aspiring to work in the creative and digital industries, or those already employed in these sectors, to learn while they earn.

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority is one of several councils and organisations benefitting from the national broadcaster's levy funds. These councils will encourage SMEs in their areas to apply for the funds, allowing them to recruit apprentices and create new apprenticeship opportunities.

Introduced by the Government in 2017, the Apprenticeship Levy requires organisations to contribute a certain amount annually towards the costs of creating new apprenticeships and upskilling current employees.

While organisations typically use their levy contributions to support apprenticeships within their own workplaces, unspent funds can be transferred to SMEs that do not have their own levy funds to cover apprenticeship training and development.

Sarah Moors, BBC Head of Apprenticeships, says: “Apprenticeships provide a vital route into the media for people from a range of backgrounds. In pledging these funds, we hope to support the development of new talent for the creative, cultural and digital sectors, and to equip existing employees with additional skills.”

Rob Bridge, CEO of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, said: “We are thrilled to receive this generous pledge from the BBC's Apprenticeship Levy fund. More and more apprenticeship levy-paying employers are reaching out to share their surplus levy funds with smaller businesses, including charities.

This support is crucial in enabling SMEs in our region to recruit and train apprentices, fostering growth and innovation within the creative and digital industries. By working together, we can ensure that local talent has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to our vibrant economy.”

Businesses within the creative, cultural and digital sectors can apply for the levy by contacting the Growth Works with Skills team [email protected]

ENDS