GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is supporting 200 people across 40 plus small organisations to gain skills and qualifications. GSK has used its Apprenticeship levy to help a range of smaller businesses and charities use apprenticeships to support their workforce through the Government’s levy transfer initiative.
One company to benefit from the funding is Yunus & Eliza, a Cotswolds based company who made jewellery used in the massive hit TV show Game of Thrones.
To support their jewellery business, the company purchased a Foundry, Priory Cast Products, and needed apprentices. GSK, working with its academic partner the National Physics Lab (NPL), stepped in to help and as a result, used its levy transfer funding to support Yunus and Eliza to take on two foundry apprentices Daniel Hemming and George Hennesey, both 18.
They have the fantastic opportunity to train as Foundry Technicians, working with innovative creative people, while learning a heritage and valuable skill. They work across the foundry, manufacturing a range of cast metal objects, including jewellery, musical instruments, engineering components, metal sculptures and wax works.
Company Director Eliza Higginbottom said: “The levy transfer from GSK has made it possible to provide this opportunity for our apprentices and also help us grow our business.
“Our apprentices are fantastic. They attend college one week a month and when they are gone, we really miss them! It takes time and commitment to train them up on the job, but the time it takes is more than worth it, because they give us so much back.”
GSK has an ongoing commitment to apprenticeships, with recruitment for GSK Apprenticeships having commenced to identify the next crop of apprentices looking to start their apprenticeships in September 2022.
Tim Buchanan, Apprenticeship Vendor Manager, said: “GSK has taken the opportunity to support smaller businesses by utilising levy transfers. The ability to use the levy in this manner supports those business to either bring new talent into their business or offer development opportunities for existing staff. Employers who have the ability to help others should take up this opportunity to do so.”
The apprenticeship levy was introduced in 2017 as part of reforms to put funding in the hands of employers and encourage them to invest in and create apprenticeships.
