More than 600 apprenticeships launched in Oxfordshire

The Social Contract Programme was introduced in 2022 to tackle post-pandemic unemployment and support residents facing barriers to work, education, and training.

A new impact report from Enterprise Oxfordshire shows the programme helped deliver 608 apprenticeship starts across the county, alongside 62 Community Employment Plans (CEPs) and 226 people secured employment.

Helen Brind, director of business and skills at Enterprise Oxfordshire, said: “We are pleased to announce the major achievements of our significant Social Contract Programme.

“Our commitment to supporting individuals towards employment and ensuring the county’s pipeline of talent is able to thrive is showcased by our current programmes, with both Skills Bootcamps and the Connect to Work Programme supporting those with specific challenges in entering the labour market.”

The scheme focused on key groups, including those aged 16 to 24, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, the over-50s, and those furthest from the labour market.

Initial funding came from the government’s Contain Outbreak Management Fund via Oxfordshire County Council and was later extended to address cost-of-living pressures using the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

One of the programme’s flagship initiatives, the Apprenticeship Levy Support Scheme, enabled large employers to pledge £6.1 million in unused levy funds to support other organisations in hiring apprentices.

The pledges resulted in 435 new apprenticeship starts.

Other supported schemes included the ‘No Limits’ programme, led by charities SOFEA Didcot and Aspire Oxfordshire, which helped residents aged 16 and above.

The programme supported more than 1,000 people – 226 of whom secured employment – while 518 others made significant progress toward work readiness.

CEPs helped maximise job, training, and education opportunities on major infrastructure projects by linking them to local communities.

These plans generated £163,301 in charitable donations, 2,344.25 volunteering hours, 173 apprenticeship starts, and 83 work placements.

Ms Brind said: “A key priority for us at Enterprise Oxfordshire remains in supporting and facilitating opportunities such as apprenticeships, which support individuals looking to enter into a role, change direction within their career, or those looking to upskill.

“The achievements showcased by the Social Contract Impact Report highlight just how successful our Apprenticeship Levy Support Scheme has been, and we continue to offer this support through the Growth and Skills Levy Support Scheme.”

Enterprise Oxfordshire, formerly OxLEP, rebranded last year following a two-year transition of economic development functions to Oxfordshire County Council.

The council now acts as the sole shareholder of the organisation.

For more information about the Growth and Skills Levy and other employability programmes, visit www.enterpriseoxfordshireskills.com.