The Little Sports Group is one of a number of small to medium sized businesses (SME’s) across Greater Manchester benefitting from gifted levy funds designed to help business growth through apprenticeships.

Sodexo, in partnership with Aspire Training Solutions Ltd were able to provide the funding for six of The Little Sport Group's employees to join the Community Sport and Health Apprenticeship thus helping to grow the skills within the team.

The Little Sports Group owns and operates a range of sports and education businesses, one being LSC.

LSC is a children's sports coaching company that deliver essential PE and sports services in schools that educate children and support them by increasing physical activity, reducing obesity and improving mental health. They work in over 95 schools across the North West including Manchester Hospital School, delivering 360+ hours of coaching and PE curriculum provision each week. They directly reach over 14,000 pupils each week.

Larger businesses, such as Sodexo can gift up to 25% of their apprenticeship levy to fund new apprenticeships in their chosen sector or industry. This year, Sodexo had funded 83 apprenticeships in the Greater Manchester and are currently investigating further opportunities to fund additional apprenticeships by partnering with SMEs in the area.

Greig Aspinall, Regional Manager of LSC said: “After struggling with other apprentice suppliers, the support, people and systems in place at Aspire are fantastic.  Our apprentices feel supported and I can see even at the start of their journey that they will work hard to attain the apprenticeship as well as enjoy it. The partnership with Sodexo is invaluable. Their funding has enabled us to create jobs in an uncertain climate for 6 full-time apprentices. All of the team at LSC are excited about what the future holds and how this partnership will evolve.”

Sue Davison, Head of Apprenticeships for Sodexo UK said:

We’re delighted to be able to gift funds to businesses across Greater Manchester and unlock the potential of apprenticeship programmes across the city.

“Working with Aspire, we are confident that we are supporting high quality apprenticeship opportunities  that not only upskill and boost the confidence of young adults in the workplace but gives them a helping hand to climb the ladder of success and reach their true potential.”

Nikki Clamp Business Executive at Aspire Training Solutions Ltd said: “As a training provider, Aspire feel so excited about the Levy gifting partnership with Sodexo. During these uncertain times it allows small coaching companies and non-levy schools to engage with the apprenticeships agenda without the pressure of having to contribute to the training costs. This has offered many coaching companies an opportunity to offer professional development opportunities for existing staff as well as incentivising them to recruit into new roles.  For the apprentice, they have job stability, an employer commitment to them and a clear plan for their role and development.”

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