We are delighted to announce a continuation and growth of the partnership between Lifetime and Aldi UK. The supermarket leader has pledged to gift over £1.3 million of its apprenticeship levy to support small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), Partou, and the Bright Horizons Group.
This substantial investment is designed to remove financial barriers to high-quality training, providing a vital boost to businesses across the country. The funding will support a blend of staff development for existing employees and the recruitment of new apprentices, ensuring that businesses can build a resilient, skilled workforce for the future.
Empowering under-represented talent
At the heart of this collaboration is a shared commitment to social mobility. A primary goal of the £1.3 million gift is to support under-represented individuals in starting their careers. By providing access to fully funded apprenticeship standards, Aldi UK and Lifetime Training aim to create pathways for those who may otherwise face barriers to entry in the professional world.
Furthermore, this initiative is closely aligned with the mission to support NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) individuals. By creating tangible opportunities for young people and those currently outside of the workforce, this partnership seeks to bridge the skills gap and provide a springboard into long-term, meaningful employment.
National support with no boundaries
Unlike many funding initiatives that are restricted by geography or industry, this levy gift is truly national. Aldi’s vision is simple: to help businesses and people grow, regardless of their sector or location.
Whether it is an SME looking to upskill their current team or a dedicated childcare provider like Bright Horizons seeking to nurture the next generation of early years professionals, this funding is designed to make an impact where it is needed most.
Lisa Murphy, Training and Development Director at Aldi UK, commented:
"Apprenticeships are a transformative tool for both individuals and businesses. However, we know that for many smaller employers, the costs associated with training can be a hurdle. By gifting our levy, we are able to extend the reach of these opportunities, helping to foster a more diverse and inclusive workforce across the UK."
Ross Crook, Chief Revenue Officer at Lifetime Training, added:
"We are incredibly proud to partner with Aldi on this initiative. This £1.3 million investment represents more than just funding; it represents a commitment to social change. By working together to support SMEs and partners like Bright Horizons, we are ensuring that high-quality vocational training is accessible to everyone, helping to grow both businesses and individual careers on a national scale."
How to access funding
Lifetime Training will be working closely with SMEs, Partou, and Bright Horizons to facilitate the delivery of these apprenticeships, providing expert guidance on how to make the most of this funded training.
Are you an SME looking to grow your team or upskill your staff through this funding?
Complete the form below to find out how Lifetime can support you with Levy Gifting.