Ongoing levy transfer support expands Early Years and Business apprenticeship access in Calderdale

Halifax Opportunities Trust (HOT) is proud to announce the continued collaboration with Pladis, the UK’s biggest biscuit manufacturer and owner of McVitie’s and Jacob’s, now entering its third year of partnership in the apprenticeship levy transfer programme.

Thanks to pladis’s renewed support in 2025, a further 20 learners have been able to begin or continue their Early Years Practitioner Level 2, Early Years Educator Level 3, Business Administration Level 3, and Management Level 5 qualifications. This extension has directly benefited more than 28 apprentices to date—many of whom are now working across nurseries, business offices and leadership roles within community-focused organisations in Calderdale.

Building careers through collaboration

Pladis, as a major levy-paying employer, has continued to transfer unspent apprenticeship levy funds to HOT, enabling local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access high-quality training they might not otherwise be able to afford.

Mags Ciewiertnia, People & Operations Excellence Lead at HOT, says:

“This evolving partnership with pladis is not only helping our local employers grow but is transforming the career prospects of learners in the borough. Each successful placement reflects how collaboration can create lasting impact.”

Employers receiving apprentices through this initiative have praised the programme for improving staffing stability and bringing fresh energy and commitment to their teams.

“The apprentices we’ve taken on have been fantastic. They’re eager to learn, professionally supported, and have already made a positive contribution to our setting,” shared one early years employer.
Another commented: “It’s refreshing to see motivated individuals developing their skills and growing into roles that are vital for our service.”

Diane Illingworth Apprenticeship Lead adds:

“We’re urging other large employers to follow pladis’s lead. The process is simple, the impact is immediate, and the benefits are shared widely across the local economy.”

Learner voices: the impact in action

The levy funding continues to support learners who otherwise wouldn’t have access to training or qualifications. Apprentices report increased confidence, employability, and long-term career progression.

“Without this funding, I wouldn’t have been able to study. It’s not just a job—it’s a path to a better future,” shared one Level 3 Early Years Educator apprentice.

Creating value for community and charity

This collaboration directly supports HOT’s mission to transform lives and strengthen communities. By removing financial barriers to training, HOT empowers people to gain professional qualifications that improve not only their employment prospects but also the quality of services delivered across the borough.

Apprenticeships offer meaningful professional development that boosts self-worth, supports family stability, and contributes to the wider social and economic well-being of Calderdale. As a charity, these outcomes reflect the heart of HOT’s values—promoting inclusion, opportunity and long-term impact.

If you are an Early Years setting interested in exploring how apprenticeship support could benefit your organisation, please contact Diane Illingworth at diane.illingworth@regen.org.uk