Fifteen local companies have created 37 apprenticeships thanks to funding from Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
The city council paid out £63,000 from its apprenticeship levy in 2023/24 to employers with staff who live in the city, as well as supporting 106 people to study for apprenticeship qualification while working for the authority.
Local businesses and organisations who successfully applied for some of the council’s unused levy included Teasdale Healthcare, Staffordshire Police, KMF Group, Browns Distribution, High and Lifted, TMT First and IAE.
Employers with an annual payroll of over £3m pay a 0.5 per cent UK Government apprenticeship levy, which can then be used by the employer on apprenticeship training. As one of the area’s largest employers, the city council pays the levy.
If the money is not used within two years, it has to be returned to the Government.
Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We’ve got a brilliant record of supporting and creating apprenticeships within the city council using our levy.
“If the money in our levy account is not used every two years, it’s returned to the UK Government. Sadly prior to us taking office the city had to return money to the government for not employing enough apprentices.
“This led to us approaching local employers to see how we could make sure the money was used to do what it was intended to do. The take-up has been fantastic, and it’s led to more people being able to earn money while learning vital skills on-the-job and through studying.
“It was vitally important that we sorted this out and got the most out of every penny due to the city and our young people.”
Darren Simpson, operations director at Browns Distribution, said: “We want to express our sincere gratitude to Stoke-on-Trent City Council for its generous support and levy funding for apprenticeships.
“This investment in training has not only created opportunities for 12 members of our team to learn, grow, and gain practical skills, but it’s also helping to build stronger, more capable workers who will contribute to both Browns and our local economy.
“The Council’s commitment to apprenticeships is truly life-changing for many, and it reflects the values of inclusivity and progress that make our community so strong. From all at Browns, we thank them for all their support.”
