Virgin Media 02 has announced plans to create more than 100 early careers and re-skilling opportunities this year.
The company, which made the announcement ahead of National Apprenticeship Week next week, provides starting salaries of at least £22,500, with some up to £35,000, with roles set to become available across the UK, including in London, Reading and Manchester throughout the year.
The schemes are open to applicants of all ages with positions offered as permanent roles, providing job security once the fully-funded training ends.
While on Virgin Media O2’s schemes, apprentices develop and hone skills for the future, gain recognised qualifications and embark on careers that, in some instances, would require a degree. Roles are available across various schemes including field engineering, where apprentices undertake business-critical tasks such as upgrading the network and installing customers.
Virgin Media O2’s research reveals increasingly positive sentiment towards apprenticeships among UK workers. Six in 10 (61 per cent) feel more positively about apprenticeships compared to previous years, with more than two-thirds (67 per cent) believing there are now more opportunities to undertake apprenticeships. Additionally, three-quarters (75 per cent) of people agree that apprenticeships offer a valuable way to learn new skills and future-proof their careers while earning a salary.
Despite companies such as Virgin Media O2 offering competitive starting salaries and job security, misconceptions remain. Six in 10 (62 per cent) believe apprenticeships are poorly paid, with 2 in 5 (45 per cent) believing apprenticeships do not offer job security.
To help ensure a level playing field where people are hired based on their potential, Virgin Media O2 does not ask for CVs or require any prior work experience for any of its apprenticeship, graduate or internship roles. The recruitment process focuses solely on candidates’ skills, strengths, and motivations, instead of their education or work history. In addition to creating roles that require no previous experience, Virgin Media O2 also offers entry level positions that require no qualifications.
Karen Handley, head of future careers at Virgin Media O2, said, “We believe in unlocking people’s potential and breaking down barriers to working and progressing in this innovative sector. Our apprenticeship programmes provide pathways to meaningful careers at the cutting edge of technology, creating exciting opportunities for everyone.
“We offer competitive salaries of up to £35,000 and run a blind recruitment process to ensure a level playing field for our candidates. Whether you’re a young person who excels in hands-on learning or a career changer looking to do something new, our apprenticeships give people the tools and skills they need to build a successful and rewarding career.”