A partnership between Cambridge City Council, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) and Growth Works with Skills, is supporting small and medium businesses (SME’s) and not-for-profit organisations unlock talent in Cambridgeshire through apprenticeships.
The council funds apprenticeships by transferring part of its own apprenticeship levy contributions to support local businesses and individuals seeking develop their knowledge and skills, to unlock talent and support the local economy.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and Growth Works support organisations through the process of recruiting and training of the apprentice.
Famille, a Cambridge based Marketing and Communications agency, benefited from this scheme and took on an apprentice, Naomi Taylor, who gained her Level 3 Apprenticeship in Creative Content from the Access Creative College.
This has significantly contributed to the agency’s digital marketing and content creation capabilities.
Through the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Levy Pooling Service, businesses like Famille can directly fund the training and development of apprentices, helping them grow alongside the organisation.
This partnership has not only benefited Famille’s business needs but also provided Naomi with a clear career path and practical skills.
Debbie, CEO and Founder of Famille said: “As a growing digital marketing agency, we saw apprenticeships as a strategic way to build the skills we needed in-house while offering someone a unique opportunity to grow alongside us.
“By investing time in recruitment and tailoring the apprenticeship to fit our needs, we were able to shape our apprentice, Naomi, into a key team member who developed valuable skills in niche sectors.
“It’s been a mutually beneficial relationship, and seeing Naomi grow has been incredibly rewarding. We’re already considering taking on another apprentice, and it’s exciting to think that our former apprentice could help mentor the next generation.”
Naomi, Digital Media Coordinator at Famille, said “The apprenticeship was the perfect foundation for my career—it gave me the practical experience and confidence I needed to break into the digital media industry.
“With the support of my tutors and colleagues, I was able to quickly progress from a junior content producer to a content creator”
“The experience taught me that with the right support, you can truly achieve anything. Apprenticeships provide that crucial first step, helping you get your foot in the door and move up the ladder faster.”
Cllr Alice Gilderdale, executive councillor for economy and skills said, “Apprenticeships are a great option for businesses and organisations that are looking to expand their teams but perhaps don’t have the financial capability to do so. There is support every step of the way to ensure the process is easy.
“It also means that businesses are supporting people to develop their skills which contributes towards improving the overall local economy in Cambridge. By supporting Cambridge businesses, the council is supporting Cambridge people.”
For more information about Famille and their apprenticeship program, or to learn how to access funding through the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer please contact the Skills team at Growth Works with Skills at Skillsteam@cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk.
