Marvin OnumonuThe University of Salford has pledged £100,000 to help small businesses in Salford fund adult apprentices aged 25 and over.
The fund will be available for employers to apply for straight away from National Apprenticeship Week 2026, which runs from today, 9th to 13th February.
Paul Ward, director of international and regional development at the university and lead for apprenticeship programmes at Salford, said: “Over the past ten years the University of Salford has worked with around 3500 apprentices and played a big role in enriching the jobs and skills sector in Greater Manchester.
“We want to make apprenticeships more accessible and affordable to young people, and see significant value in upskilling, re-skilling and lifelong learning amongst those who are aged 25 and above.
“This pledge underlines our commitment as a University to maximising skills and employment opportunities for local people in Salford and Greater Manchester.”
Councillor Teresa Pepper, Lead Member for Skills, Work and Business Support at Salford City Council, said: “This pledge is a powerful statement about what Salford stands for: a city that invests in its people and its potential.
“By supporting apprenticeships in the sectors that keep our communities thriving, this funding will open doors for residents of all ages and help small businesses build the skilled workforce they need to grow, and ensure Salford’s success is shared by everyone who calls it home.”
The funding will cover the full cost of apprenticeship training up to the funding band maximum.
The university will pay for the full apprenticeship term until the course is completed.
The pledge follows the recent Civic Agreement between the university and Salford City Council, which aims to boost prosperity, wellbeing, and growth in Salford.
The new fund coincides with the launch of the Build Salford workforce strategy, which is designed to maximise skills and job opportunities for local people through construction investment over the next five years.
The funds are for small Salford businesses that do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy and must co-invest with the Government to fund apprenticeship training.
Businesses need to be in construction and the built environment, engineering and manufacturing, or health and science sectors to apply.
