Global logistics company Kuehne+Nagel has donated £250,000 in apprenticeship levies to train and develop aspirational young people who work for local charity YMCA Robin Hood Group.
The UK Apprenticeships funding system, which has been in place since 2017, allows levy paying employers to share a portion of their Apprenticeship levy funds with other businesses to support the recruitment of new apprentices as well as helping them to develop the skills of their existing workforce.
As part of their corporate social responsibility pledge, Kuehne+Nagel generously decided to donate their full apprenticeship levy transfer budget for 2022-23 to the YMCA, which empowers young people to belong, contribute and thrive in their communities.
The funding will have positive implications for employees across all areas of the charity as the levy does not just cover entry level courses. It also includes training for more senior positions to complete degree qualifications such as MBAs and Operations Management courses that will help nurture the minds and skills of future third sector leaders.
Pat Woodfield, Executive Director for People & Culture at YMCA Robin Hood Group, said: “This is a fantastic example of local businesses believing in the potential of local charity workers to create real social change for our community’s most vulnerable members. The more qualified our team members become, the better the provisions our supported housing residents and young service users will receive across the region.
“Our movement is expanding at pace, and we are keen to provide role relevant learning and development that helps our people grow into the best versions of themselves they can be. We are deeply grateful for Kuehne+Nagel choosing to donate their funding to our good cause, and this wonderful opportunity will elevate our staff members’ knowledge and skills to deliver the highest quality of care and support for the benefit of our community.”
Qualifications on offer will range from chef apprenticeships at the new YMCA Community and Activity Village in Newark to business administration, sports coaching programmes, hospitality/catering, childcare (level 2 and 3) and senior leader training – to name just a few.
Claire Piotrowski, Head of Future Talent from Kuehne+Nagel, said: “Talent development is a central part of our People strategy at Kuehne+ Nagel and it is important to us to be able to share our funding with likeminded organisations. We’re proud to be supporting YMCA Robin Hood Group and their commitment to development and job creation in the Nottinghamshire area.”
Pat Atkinson, Branch Manager at Kuehne+Nagel Ruddington, added: “Apprenticeships are really important for us at Kuehne+Nagel. We regularly recruit new apprentices to join our team. They bring new innovative ways of thinking, challenge the status quo, and help drive our business forward. It’s great to be able to assist the YMCA to be able to do the same.”
Photo caption (L-R): K+N’s Apprentice Charlie Davidson, Branch Manager Pat Atkinson and former Apprentice now Freight Account Manager George Leeson.
Media release: YMCARHG Release – Apprenticeships Levy Donation May 22