This forms part of Aldi’s wider pledge to gift £2m to small and medium-sized businesses over the next two years to help them fund a variety of industry apprenticeships.
Aldi launched the apprenticeship levy gifting scheme in 2021 and this will take the amount of apprenticeship funding the supermarket has provided to small and medium-sized enterprises to £5.5m by the end of April 2027.
Apprenticeship provider Total People will provide vital support to small businesses in the Northwest areas in the childcare, engineering, and professional services sectors, enabling them to access fully funded apprenticeship opportunities and strengthen their workforce pipeline.
Lisa Murphy, UK Training and Development Director at Aldi UK, said: “Apprenticeships can be a potential lifeline to young people looking for that first opportunity in a competitive job market, but they are equally transformative for businesses that embrace them as well.
“But not all smaller businesses have the resources to invest, and it’s often these employers that could benefit the most from a well-funded programme.
“Levy gifting is an excellent way for larger organisations to expand the impact of apprenticeships and we intend to use the scheme to its full potential in supporting smaller employers in our communities.”
Mel Nicholson, Managing Director at Total People said: “We are grateful to Aldi for their continued support of apprenticeships. This funding represents a major boost for employers, apprentices, and the regional economy and demonstrates the value of investing in new talent and will enable us to deliver between 60-80 apprenticeships.”
“By removing financial barriers to apprenticeships, businesses can nurture the next generation of skilled professionals, apprentices gain invaluable training and career opportunities, and the region benefits from fresh investment and workforce development.”
Here’s a snapshot of how previous Aldi levy funding has helped small businesses and apprentices to grow.
Apprentice Sarah Ellis, People Consultant at Atkinson HR said: “The apprenticeship has been an incredibly valuable part of my career journey. It’s provided me with the unique opportunity to continue working full-time while gaining a formal qualification and learning essential new skills, knowledge, and behaviours directly relevant to my role."
The Manchester Fertility Clinic outlined the positives of their apprentice: “Over the past 12 months we have worked closely with Total people who have been great, they have supported our apprentice through their Customer Service apprenticeship in which she has now achieved distinction in all areas. We loved having her for the past 12 months and she has learnt so much we didn’t want her leave so we have offered her a permanent job in a customer service role. Without all the help of Total People, from the initial introduction, to help source an apprentice, to the ongoing training/support, coaching and just generally caring about their apprentice and our clinic needs we couldn’t have done this. We would highly recommend Total People as an apprenticeship provider.”
Mark Steele, an apprentice at Audacious Church underlines the tangible benefits of apprenticeships: “Thank you for supporting apprenticeships—they've made a real difference in growing the skills and confidence of our team. Seeing them thrive through hands-on learning and coaching has been incredible. Your commitment to development is shaping a stronger, more capable future for all of us.”
For more information on funded apprenticeships visit www.totalpeople.co.uk or call 03333 222 666.