APPRENTICESHIP LEVY
Empowering Local Businesses and Apprentices: Urban Partners' Workwhile Programme
Urban Partners is committed to fostering a connected and thriving local economy by empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and supporting residents in the Camden and Islington areas.
WHY WE ARE DOING THIS
In a rapidly changing economy, it is more important than ever to provide targeted support that drives growth while promoting inclusivity and sustainability. The Workwhile programme is our latest initiative designed to create lasting impact for local businesses and residents through apprenticeships and support the wider work of our members.
For Urban Partner members this work enables those who are Apprenticeship Levy payers to make local social impact with unspent levy funds and direct this work, so it helps achieve their wider strategic objectives in the sector(s) most relevant to them. By pooling levy underspend as a collective we are helping to a have greater impact on the local economy than individual business might be able to on their own.
HOW TO APPLY
The Workwhile programme is a comprehensive support initiative aimed at helping SMEs in the Islington and Camden areas- designed to enable local businesses to effectively engage with apprenticeships, providing them with the tools, training and guidance needed to make the most of this opportunity. Through Workwhile, SMEs will gain access to funding for apprenticeship training via levy transfers from Urban Partners members, as well as ongoing support in selecting appropriate apprenticeship courses and connecting them with training providers.
But the programme goes beyond just financial support. Workwhile is dedicated to ensuring that apprenticeships are successful and sustainable for both businesses and apprentices, providing line manager training, conducting Good Work Health Check consultations and offering guidance on best practices in areas such as diversity and inclusion, skills development and employee wellbeing.
WHAT WE'VE DONE THUS FAR
Since its inception, the Workwhile programme has taken significant steps to engage and support local SMEs. One of the key components of the programme is the Line Manager Training, provided in partnership with Developmentor. SMEs participating in the programme are added to the nearest scheduled cohort of Developmentor, where their line managers undergo four 1.5-hour sessions. These sessions equip managers with practical tools and techniques to confidently manage apprentices, ensuring a supportive and productive work environment. To reinforce this training, Workwhile conducts follow-up coaching calls to ensure the learning is effectively embedded in daily practice.
Workwhile also offers a Good Work Health Check consultation. Offered as a condition of support, this consultation occurs after the completion of the levy transfer. During a 90-minute meeting, Workwhile advisors work with SMEs to assess and discuss best practices across four key areas: Fair Pay, Diversity and Inclusion, Skills and Progression, and Wellbeing. SMEs receive a score and actionable advice on how to improve in these areas, helping them to create more equitable and supportive workplaces.
WHAT'S NEXT
Through this work, we aim to support 30 SMEs, directly impacting 30 to 50 apprentices. Our approach involves targeted cohort work, where we focus on specific sectors that align with the Greater London Authority's priorities, focusing on construction, green skills, digital, hospitality and the creative sector. We are collaborating closely with our training provider partners to identify SMEs that would benefit from apprenticeships and steer these businesses toward local talent.
Additionally, we plan to introduce the Urban Partners Apprenticeship Support Programme (UPASP) to businesses in Camden and Islington, further expanding our reach and impact. By mobilizing our training provider partners, we will focus their efforts on local businesses, ensuring that the added value of the Workwhile programme is fully utilised within the community.