Whistl, the UK’s leading logistics specialists in e-fulfilment, mail and parcels, has announced its contribution to boost communities around the country where it has sites. In total, its Whistl Apprenticeship Fund has so far committed to fund 251 apprenticeships in 76 different organisations.

“We are delighted with the response we have received to the launch of the Whistl Apprenticeship Fund. To be able to support organisations with 251 apprentices enables us to make a real difference in the communities in which we work. This initiative allows us to help local organisations and residents to develop their talent and careers,” said Alistair Cochrane, CEO, Whistl.

The company invited small businesses to apply for funding for their own Level 2 to 5 apprenticeship schemes with a focus on early years learning, digital and engineering focused apprenticeships. Whistl typically has £30,000 a month available from its Levy to fund apprenticeship training both within the company and the community, with £422,000 being allocated to fund the apprenticeships.

“Apprenticeships are at the heart of our ambitious skills agenda, and it’s great to see companies like Whistl helping to plug skills gaps in vital sectors like engineering and digital by sharing their apprenticeship funds with smaller companies. Supporting small businesses to invest in apprenticeships not only gives more people the opportunity to earn while they learn and kickstart a rewarding career; it also helps to deliver the highly skilled workforce employers so desperately need,” added Minister for Skills Andrea Jenkyns.

Whistl is a more than £820 million revenue, delivery management company that provides mail, parcels, leaflet advertising, fulfilment and contact centre services in the UK and internationally. Headquartered in Marlow, the Whistl group of companies operate across the UK, and handles in excess of 3.6 billion items a year.