Virgin Media O2 has invested £1 million into a new Apprenticeship Talent Fund designed to help small businesses, charities, social enterprises, and local authorities recruit and train the next generation of apprentices. The initiative aims to create genuine career opportunities while supporting long-term growth across the UK. The fund places a strong emphasis on opening doors to untapped talent. Virgin Media O2 seeks to drive innovation and ensure that the UK workforce is prepared to meet the demands of an increasingly digital economy.

Paul Smissen, Director at Zenith Training, said:

“We’re genuinely excited to launch our AI apprenticeship cohort and hugely grateful to Virgin Media O2 for backing it through their £1 million Apprenticeship Talent Fund. This partnership enables us to turn our ambition into action and will enable us to apply tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot to live business challenges, driving time savings, better decisions and faster delivery. Together, we’re opening doors to untapped talent and creating a safe, structured route to AI adoption.”

Through the fund, Zenith Training has been supported to deliver a cohort of AI focused apprenticeships. Based on our experience working with organisations across the UK, Zenith Training recognises a growing gap in AI and digital readiness within many workplaces. While senior leaders may feel confident in adopting artificial intelligence, employees often lack practical experience, creating a skills gap that can hinder digital transformation.

Through this programme, Zenith Training will be able to track and deliver tangible business outcomes, including revenue generated from data-driven insights, hours saved through technology adoption, efficiency gains, and reduced project timelines through automation. The apprenticeship programme, delivered through a Level 3 Digital Support Technician pathway, combines workshops, project work, and guided application of AI tools such as Microsoft 365 Copilot. Zenith Training Staff will gain practical experience applying AI to real-world business challenges, while also developing an understanding of responsible and ethical practices.

By integrating these skills into day-to-day workflows, apprentices are expected to contribute to improved efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and innovation within their organisations. TSG is supporting the initiative by providing technical expertise, establishing secure environments for AI use, and ensuring that tools are implemented safely and effectively. Together with Zenith Training, the partnership offers a structured and supported approach to AI adoption, bridging the gap between technical understanding and practical workplace application.

Virgin Media O2’s Apprenticeship Talent Fund represents more than financial support, it is an investment in people, skills, and the future of the UK workforce. By combining funding, training, and practical application, the programme aims to support both businesses and apprentices with the knowledge and confidence to thrive in a world where AI is expected to be trained and integrated into businesses by 2030.