Virgin Media O2 plans to create more than 100 early careers and re-skilling opportunities this year, building on the company’s longstanding commitment and investment into apprenticeships, internships, and graduate schemes, providing key openings for skill development and career advancement.
New research from the company reveals that 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 – a figure that has nearly tripled in just two years, with just one in six workers reporting this as recently as 2023.
The data also shows that 51% believe their job won’t exist in the next five years.
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 looking to update their skills and pivot their careers, ahead of National Apprenticeship Week (10th – 15th February 2025), the new schemes will allow apprentices opportunities to develop and hone future skills, gain recognised qualifications, and embark on careers that, in some instances, would require a degree.
The schemes are open to applicants of all ages with positions offered as permanent roles, providing job security once the fully-funded training ends.
Roles will be available across the UK and across various schemes including field engineering where apprentices undertake business-critical tasks like upgrading the network and installing customers.
Virgin Media will provide entry-level positions that do not require any prior experience. Applicants will not need to submit a CV or any previous work history for apprenticeship, graduate, or internship roles, promoting equality in the application process.
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.”