Workwhile is delivering East London's Shared Apprenticeship Programme - an exciting place-based collaboration between employers operating on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s East Bank and local small businesses.
Since September 2022, we've been working with the key partners spearheading London’s new innovation district, the East Bank. East London's Shared Apprenticeship Programme supports small employers across East London to create new apprenticeships. Our partners include the BBC, University of the Arts London, University College London, the V&A and Sadler's Wells.
What support is available to SMEs through the programme?
- Workforce planning session to identify employer skills gaps and recommend where apprenticeships can meet employers' needs and build capacity and workforce resilience
- Support throughout the apprenticeship process, providing bespoke, step-by-step support - from getting set up on the digital apprenticeship service portal, to selecting a training provider that best meets business needs
- Funding to cover the full training and assessment costs of apprenticeships via 'levy transfer' from one of the partner organisations
- Access to fully-funded places on our DevelopMentor programme for apprentices' line managers
- A free 'Good Work Health Check' consultation to help employers to create conditions for success, with recommendations for best practice around inclusivity, employee wellbeing and working conditions
What has the programme achieved?
East London's Shared Apprenticeship Programme has created 150 new apprenticeships to date - empowering SMEs to become more productive and inclusive, and creating pathways for East Londoners to build in-demand skills.
This has been supported by the transfer of over £1 million in unspent levy funds from partner organisations to SMEs.
Who has benefited?
- 70% of SMEs supported are in the four East London boroughs, and 65% of apprentices are East London residents - with all apprenticeships supported meeting one or both of these criteria
- Over 65% of SMEs supported are in the creative, cultural or education sectors
- 54% of apprentices were 30 years old or younger at start of the apprenticeship
- 56% are from black, Asian and other marginalised backgrounds, and 62% are female or non-binary
- 30% were earning below the London Living Wage before starting their apprenticeship
- 34% were under-employed before starting their apprenticeship (unemployed, in education, NEET or part-time employed)
A creative case study - Mountain Way Pictures
Mountain Way Pictures Case Study
How to access support
If you’re an employer based in the London boroughs of Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets or Waltham Forest, get in touch to find out how East London's Shared Apprenticeship Programme can support you to meet your skills needs and create new opportunities for local talent.
Levy funds and support currently available until March 2026.
Generously supported by
