- Almost half of Brits (48%) report feeling pressure to re-skill as half (51%) believe their current job will no longer exist within the next five years
- With one in four (27%) workers likely to re-train or pursue additional qualifications in the next 12 months, Virgin Media O2 is creating new roles nationwide supported by comprehensive training programmes
- Applicants do not require a CV or any prior experience and can join on starting salaries of up to £35,000
London, 6 February 2025: UK workers are increasingly feeling pressure to re-skill (48%) and update their qualifications amid growing awareness of the skills needed for the future of work, with 51% believing their job won’t exist in the next five years.
Virgin Media O2’s latest research reveals that nearly half (48%) of Brits feel pressured to re-skill due to concerns that their qualifications are outdated. This figure has nearly tripled in just two years, with just one in six workers reporting this as recently as 2023.
Over the next year, one in four (27%) workers indicated they are likely to re-train or pursue additional qualifications outside their current roles, aiming to either change career paths or secure promotions.
With workers increasingly looking to update their skills and pivot their careers, ahead of National Apprenticeship Week (10 - 15 February 2025), Virgin Media O2 has announced plans to create more than 100 early careers and re-skilling opportunities this year. This builds on the company’s longstanding commitment and investment into apprenticeships, internships, and graduate schemes, providing valuable opportunities for skill development and career advancement.
The schemes are open to applicants of all ages with positions offered as permanent roles, providing job security once the fully-funded training ends. Virgin Media O2 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.
While on Virgin Media O2’s award-winning 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 like upgrading the network and installing customers.
Virgin Media O2’s research reveals increasingly positive sentiment towards apprenticeships among UK workers. Six in ten (61%) feel more positively about apprenticeships compared to previous years, with over two-thirds (67%) believing there are now more opportunities to undertake apprenticeships. Additionally, three-quarters (75%) of people agree that apprenticeships offer a valuable way to learn new skills and future-proof their careers while earning a salary.
Despite companies like Virgin Media O2 offering competitive starting salaries and job security, misconceptions remain. Six in ten (62%) believe apprenticeships are poorly paid, with two in five (45%) 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 at all.
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.”
To find out more information about the roles available, apply or register for updates for further roles due to go live this year, click here.
