At Hill & Smith Infrastructure, we believe growth is a shared journey. Through Hill & Smith PLC’s Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme, we’re directing unused levy funds across the Group to suppliers, partners and other organisations so they can access 100% of apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
This results in new career pathways for individuals; skills uplift for businesses and real community impact that advances our ESG commitments and the UK skills agenda.
The Group’s Apprenticeship Levy enables employers to fund accredited training and assessment. Collectively, we’ve made a strategic decision to share our unused levy funds, transferring them to approved organisations in our supply chain and communities, with Hill & Smith Infrastructure being a leading contributor. This makes high quality apprenticeships accessible where budgets might otherwise be a barrier, from Level 3 all the way to Degree Level (Level 7) programmes.
The costs covered ranges from £250 to £1,350 per apprentice, depending on the course and level, with 100% of training and assessment fees funded via transfer.
So far, we have seen a great uptake, with 28 apprentices across 20 external organisations, representing a collective £500,000 investment over the investment period of 4 years, spanning disciplines such as, Data & Digital Laboratory, Safeguarding, Leadership, Welding, and Material Science.
“At Hill & Smith Infrastructure, we are committed to helping people develop meaningful careers – both within our organisation and across the wider community. This reflects our belief that talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not.
By taking part in the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme, we are able to repurpose our unused levy funds to support smaller employers to create apprenticeship opportunities they may not otherwise be able to offer. In doing so, we help build a more capable, resilient and future-ready workforce – benefiting not only those employers, but the sector as a whole. As proud members of the 5% Club, this is an important part of how we invest in skills, strengthen our industry, and contribute to long-term social value.” Francesca Lamb (HR Director – Hill & Smith Infrastructure Ltd)
COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION
UNLOCK POTENTIAL FOR INDIVIDUALS
STRENGTHEN PARTNERS
DELIVER SOCIAL VALUE
“Lucideon is a commercial development organisation specialising in materials science, research and pilot line testing using state of the art equipment and consultancy services. We aim to solve material problems through a range of techniques and for a variety of applications including advanced ceramics, nuclear, aerospace, net zero, batteries, refractories, advanced ceramics, additive manufacturing, construction, biotechnology, and microbiology to name a few.
We host and manage The Applied Materials Research, Innovation, and Commercialisation (AMRICC) Centre, where cutting edge facilities are used by an experienced staff of scientists and technicians to innovate around existing and new materials.
As the UK’s only advanced ceramics pilot-scale facility, The AMRICC Centre provides the ability to rapidly solve materials development and production challenges and thus accelerate products to market.
Apprenticeships supported by Hill & Smith PLC: x3 Material Science Technologist Degrees (Jack Pye, Asfa Jamaluddin, William Edgeley).
Lucideon has made impressive strides with their three apprentices supported through our Group Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme. These individuals are now actively contributing to high-impact projects, including material development in areas such as nuclear waste containment, battery development, and lunar construction concepts.
“The levy transfer was enabling and powerful. We are very grateful to Hill & Smith PLC for supporting three of our apprentices as they work towards a materials science degree whilst gaining experience through employment. Materials science is a critical area for UK skills development, and Jack, Asfa and Will are already making an impact across many sectors. We’re so proud to have them with us on our mission to make the world a materially better place.” – Victoria Warren (Learning and Development Lead at Lucideon)
Projects that Lucideon’s apprentices have contributed to span nuclear waste encapsulation, aerospace manufacturing, and even European Space Agency initiatives exploring in-situ resource utilisation for building on the moon.
The Group Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme has been transformative for Lucideon and the individuals involved.
For the company, it has unlocked access to degree-level talent, enabling strategic growth in advanced materials research. These apprentices represent the future: driving innovation, accelerating project timelines, and strengthening Lucideon’s reputation as a leader in material science. Projects such as scaling novel sintering technologies and developing sol-gel techniques for aerospace and nuclear applications are now realities because of their contributions.
“Knowing that I’ve done something that makes a real difference excites me about the future.” – Jack Pye (Material Science Technologist Student)
For the individuals, the impact is equally profound. Jack, Asfa and William have gained a rare combination in STEM fields: hands-on experience through cutting-edge projects while earning a degree without debt and the offer of permanent stable employment.
Their confidence has soared as they see their work having real-world impact and furthering commercial applications. Opportunities such as presenting at national conferences, winning awards, and mentoring peers have broadened their horizons and cemented their place as future leaders in materials science and engineering.
This scheme has shaped careers and changed lives.
“Material science opens doors to so many industries. For me, the automotive sector is a dream – anything that goes fast!” – Asfa Jamaluddin (Material Science Technologist Student)
“The Legacy Centre of Excellence is a Business and Arts centre dedicated to innovation and the elevation of our local West Midland Community.
Over the last 3 years we have worked hard in designing an environment where both creatives and entrepreneurs can expand and develop their skills giving them the confidence to thrive in competitive markets. Our events and workshop sessions have been extremely popular and we are so proud of the level of progress we have been able to achieve.”
Apprenticeships: x2 Senior Leader (Level 7)
Why this matters: Builds high-level leadership capability to guide strategic growth and strengthen cultural and community impact, ensuring sustainability without reducing frontline resources
“The Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme has given us the chance to invest in senior leadership without stretching our own resources. Supporting two Level 7 apprenticeships means our leaders can develop advanced skills while continuing to focus on the cultural and community work that matters most. It’s helped us build stronger foundations for the future without risking the impact we deliver today.” – Omar Buchanan (Head of Operations)
“More than 1500 people use YMCA North Staffordshire every month from a wide customer base – young people, families, children, community groups, sports teams, vulnerable adults, youth clubs, business meetings and art classes because they find support and encouragement here. We are a place where young people, families and our communities can get access to services and resources that will help them develop a better future for themselves and others.”
Apprenticeships: x2 Safeguarding Officer (Level 3) and x1 Senior Leader (Level 7)
Why this matters: Strengthens frontline safeguarding, governance and leadership capacity, supporting vulnerable communities and ensuring consistent, high-quality service
“The Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme has been transformative for YMCA North Staffordshire. It enabled us to fund two Level 3 Safeguarding Officers and one Level 7 Senior Leader – roles that are vital to protecting vulnerable individuals and strengthening our leadership.
For our team, it has opened doors to qualifications and career development that would have been hard to access otherwise. They’re gaining skills that directly improve our services and make a lasting difference in the community.” – Alison Howard (YMCA Training Development Officer)
“As renewable energy installation experts, we have the knowledge and skills to help you reduce costs by switching to a greener and more sustainable ways to power your homes and businesses. From the initial consultation through to our aftercare service, our team are there to support you every step of the way.”
Apprenticeships: x3 Team Leader (Level 3)
Why this matters: Builds leadership capability within operational teams, improving efficiency and service delivery across nationwide smart metering projects
“By participating in the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme, we’ve been able to upskill staff who are central to delivering smart metering projects nationwide. It’s proven to be a practical way to invest in our people through structured routes that make a real difference, without adding financial strain on us or the individuals.”
Our apprenticeships are for individuals wanting to make real progress of any age and background. Across the Group and within our communities, we’re creating opportunities for those who might otherwise face barriers to education or employment.
Read more on how the funds are used internally at Hill & Smith Infrastructure →
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