Apprenticeships | Virgin Media O2 on the diversity, talent & value apprentices bring to their organisation

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) takes place between 5 to 11 February 2024 and is an opportunity for the education and skills sector to celebrate the achievements of apprentices around the country and the positive impact they make to communities, businesses, and the wider economy. The theme of this year’s week-long campaign is ‘Skills For Life’.

To mark the annual campaign, HR Grapevine (HRGV) sat down with Karen Handley, Head of Future Careers at Virgin Media O2, to discuss the business’ strategy when it comes to recruiting apprentices, why they are vital to the company’s success, and busting some of the myths surround apprenticeships...

HRGV: Tell me a little bit about Virgin Media O2’s approach to National Apprenticeship Week. Why do you think it's an important campaign?

Karen: Although it's a very important week, we like to recognise and celebrate apprentices all year round. But it's a good spotlight for all employers and anybody involved in apprenticeships, and it's brilliant to see how much activity goes on throughout the week.

I think it's a good opportunity for lots of different people to really have that spotlight, to really see the value that employers are putting on having apprentices, and what differences they’re making to their organisations.