They are being funded through the apprenticeship levy transfer, which allows businesses to transfer up to 50% of their apprenticeship levy funds to other employers, to encourage investment in workforce development.
The new Digital Device Repair Technician Apprentices are set to start in June.
The national scheme was launched at TMT’s headquarters in February. It’s been developed to help fill the severe skills gap in the tech industry, as well as upskilling and futureproofing the next generation of digital repair technicians.
TMT First’s Head of Human Resources Laura-Jane Wootton said: “We are delighted that the City Council are funding six apprentices, and we would like to thank them for their support. It is well documented that there is a severe skills gap in the tech industry and as the number of digital devices grows across the UK, that skills shortage is only going to increase. The launch of the apprenticeship earlier this year was a pivotal moment as it will help fill that gap by upskilling the next generation of digital repair technicians. We are very grateful to have Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s full support.”
Councillor Jane Ashworth, Council Leader said: “We have followed TMT First’s journey and have seen the incredible amount of work they have put in, with their partners to get the Digital Device Repair Technician Apprenticeship off the ground and we are proud to be supporting it. The apprenticeship levy transfer really does help us foster collaboration and skill development. By facilitating the redistribution of funds, the system promotes broader access to apprenticeship opportunities and helps address skills gaps across various sectors, not only to drive economic growth, enhance employment prospects, but to foster a more skilled workforce too.”
It’s hoped in its first year, at least 40 apprentices will join the scheme, with the aim to increase that year on year.
The Apprenticeship Levy, introduced in the UK in April 2017, is a government initiative designed to encourage employers to invest in apprenticeship training. It requires all employers operating in the UK, with an annual pay bill exceeding £3 million, to contribute to the levy. The levy is set at 0.5% of the employer’s annual pay bill and is collected through the PAYE (Pay as You Earn) process.