PHS GROUP BOOSTS SMALL BUSINESS APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES

During National Apprenticeship Week (6-12 February), leading hygiene services provider, phs Group, announces it has shared over £85,000 in vital funding with small businesses to offer apprenticeship opportunities.

phs has over 100 colleagues on apprenticeship programmes but has also been supporting an array of companies by transferring funds under the apprenticeship levy it pays the Government, to help them train and upskill their own staff, which they would otherwise be unable to do.

Large apprenticeship levy-paying businesses such as phs, which has its headquarters in Caerphilly, Wales, can pledge up to a quarter of their unspent levy funds to support other businesses in taking on apprentices.

Companies that have benefited from phs’ ‘apprenticeship vouchers’ for 2022/23 span early year providers, adult care, and financial services.

They include: Love to Care Ltd, Wirral (adult care); Phillips & Cohen Associates (UK) Ltd, Manchester (financial services); Perfect Start Day Nurseries Ltd, Buckinghamshire (early years); Priory Childcare Ltd, Hertfordshire (early years); Toddlers Uni Ltd, Derbyshire (early years); LDC Care Company and Wise Masterbuilders Childcare Ltd, Manchester (early years).

Mike Winstone, group HR director at phs said: “at phs, we have seen the huge benefits to be gained from offering apprenticeships, not only for colleagues’ career progression and personal development, but in the value that brings to our company and, ultimately, our customers. We currently have 130 new and experienced colleagues undertaking apprenticeships.

“We recognise that there are many smaller companies that are equally passionate about providing apprenticeship opportunities, not least those that play an important role in their communities, but don’t necessarily have access to the funds required to invest in ongoing training and development.

“We are therefore delighted to have provided £85,000 through our apprenticeship levy to support a number of organisations in nurturing talent, upskilling their workforce and boosting career progression and personal development.”

National Apprenticeship Week 2023 – with this year’s theme ‘Skills for Life’ – is the 16th annual celebration of apprenticeships, bringing together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.