Jet2 plc has today revealed that it is providing £120,000 of apprenticeship funding to charity partner, NSPCC, to help it develop a highly skilled workforce.

As one of Jet2 plc’s charity partners, the company announced the apprenticeship levy funds during a visit to the NSPCC’s North East Yorkshire and Humber hub in Leeds, where they learned more about the charity’s valuable mission.

The funding means ten members of NSPCC staff will be able to complete a Level 3 Data Technician Apprenticeship, equipping them with key skills such as how to understand the power of data, how to better use data in communications and analysis, and problem solving and innovation.

The visit to NSPCC, which forms part of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays’ activity to mark National Apprenticeship Week (10-16th February), also saw their apprentices discover more about the work of the UK’s leading children’s charity.

After learning about the services, campaigns, fundraising and partnerships of the NSPCC, the apprentices headed back to their head office to take part in a Bright Sparks Lunch Club.

This involved them developing a business plan on how the charity could attract new volunteers to Childline, and pitching the proposed solution to the NSPCC, as well as senior members of the Jet2.com and Jet2holidays team.

Last year, Jet2holidays pledged £1.2 million of apprenticeship funding to suppliers and charity partners through its 2024/25 Appoint an Apprentice scheme. The funds enable partners to recruit dedicated apprentices into their businesses and bring in new talent whilst retaining and developing a highly skilled workforce, with today’s announcement being the first apprenticeship levy funding the NSPCCC has received.

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays are one of the official supporters of National Apprenticeship Week for the third consecutive year and have a week-long series of activities planned to show their support for the 18th annual event.

As well as the visit to NSPCC’s Leeds hub, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays will be promoting their apprenticeship opportunities at the Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair and will also be encouraging apprentices to return to their schools and colleges to deliver career talks, as well as hosting webinars providing information, advice and guidance on the benefits of apprenticeships.

Recognising the importance of fostering future talent within the company, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays are proud to host a nationwide apprenticeship programme which is constantly expanding as the business continues to grow. In addition to a variety of apprentice entry roles, the companies’ selection of apprenticeship opportunities are available to existing colleagues keen to progress in their careers and learn new skills.

Apprentices with Jet2.com and Jet2holidays’ have the opportunity to gain practical work experience, key skills and professional qualifications whilst earning a salary. The companies currently employ over 200 apprentices across Customer Service, Engineering, Finance, Operations Control, Ground Operations, HR, IT, Marketing, Procurement, Planning and Product, all of which are training towards their respective qualifications with a view to progressing into permanent roles or to support their career development within the organisation.

Kirsty Lawson, Associate Head of Corporate Partnerships at the NSPCC, said: “We would love to thank everyone at Jet2 plc who helped make this incredibly generous donation happen.

The apprenticeships will give people from across the NSPCC some vitally useful insight into how we can use the data we have to improve our services and better help children and young people here in the North and across the UK.”

Miriam D’souli, HR Director at Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “We are delighted to be providing this levy funding which will help equip the NSPCC with valuable data skills, so that they can find even more ways to carry out their vital work supporting families and children across Yorkshire and the UK.

We recognise that apprentices are integral to the future growth and success of our own business, and it is fantastic to know what a positive impact this funding will have with our partners at NSPCC.”

He added: “Our colleagues have heard about the important services and campaigns run from NSPCC’s Leeds hub and listening to the Childline team talk about the calls they receive every day from children across the country who desperately need support was inspiring.

We hope some of our discussions and suggestions will be helpful in encouraging new volunteers to this vital service.”