The funding will help people gain the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to enter and progress within the hospitality sector and give West Midlands businesses access to more emerging talent.
The transfer contributes to Compass Group UK & Ireland’s Mission to a Million pledge. It aims to enhance opportunities and change lives through job creation, education, training, community, and charitable engagement.
Jonathan Foot, head of apprenticeships and early careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland, said: “We are committed to investing in and developing talent - creating opportunities for all. We are so pleased to be supporting the West Midlands Combined Authority, with this significant transfer of Apprenticeship Levy Funding.
“As a large organisation, we have a responsibility to give back to the communities we operate in, and in the West Midlands we want to be able to support SME organisations and local people. This will help our existing work in the area and enhance our plans to open Compass’ Regional Community Skills & Learning Hub in Edgbaston, which is due to open early next year.”
Set up in March 2019, the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Fund allows large employers to transfer up to 25% of their levy funds each year to SME organisations, to pay for the Apprenticeship Standards to be delivered.