Blog by Emily Corrigan, Communications Manager for Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus
On 15 May, Engine Shed was host to an event celebrating the impact of Share to Support – a scheme led by Engine Shed resident Western Training Provider Network (WTPN) that enables employers to gift their unspent apprenticeship levy to smaller businesses, increasing opportunities for apprenticeships in the region.
397 apprenticeships have now been created via Share to Support, and the University of Bristol has been a key player, creating 89 apprenticeships across 43 companies.
A core focus for the University’s Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus development is inclusive employment. Through initiatives such as JOIN US! and Share to Support, the University are actively working to increase routes into employment for local people.
Recently, apprenticeship support has focused on the Temple Quarter development area for young people in social housing. Working with the WTPN, BT Group and 1625IP, a charity working to prevent youth homelessness, young people in the Temple Quarter area will have access to bespoke sessions to find out more about local apprenticeship opportunities.
The event was organised by the WTPN, which works with training and education providers as well as organisations, large and small, to develop the skills network across the West of England.
Katie Green, Apprenticeship Levy Programme Manager at the WTPN, says:
“The Share to Support programme evidences the power of collaborative working and the positive impact shared funds can have on individuals, organisations and communities within the region, across all sectors. We are so pleased to have the University of Bristol on board as one of our key Levy Gifters, contributing generously to a number of sectors and creating opportunities not just within Bristol, but across the wider region.”
Gavin Ford is COO of getUBetter – an innovative, digital health platform that supports individuals suffering with muscle and joint issues and offers user-friendly digital rehabilitation plans. As a recipient of the University’s levy funds via Share to Support, Gavin said “As a small and growing enterprise, the levy funds have enabled getUBetter access to staff development opportunities, normally well beyond our reach. With the wide range of training courses and availability at all entry levels we have been able to effectively align our gaps in capability to strategic ambition.”
Share to Support is supported by the West of England Combined Authority.
Check out our Employers’ Guide to Apprenticeships