Bright Horizons welcomes apprenticeship levy support from Aldi UK

Bright Horizons has welcomed expanded apprenticeship levy gifting support from Aldi UK, which will help remove financial barriers to training and strengthen long‑term workforce development across the early years sector. 

The initiative forms part of a wider partnership between Aldi UK and Lifetime Training, which will see more than £1.3 million in apprenticeship levy funding gifted nationally to support childcare providers, small businesses and other employers. The funding is designed to support both the development of existing staff and the recruitment of new apprentices, helping organisations invest in skills and build sustainable teams. 

For Bright Horizons, apprenticeships play a central role in developing talent and widening access to careers in early years education. Fully funded training routes help ensure that individuals from a wide range of backgrounds can enter and progress within the sector, while providers are able to maintain high-quality practice at a time of ongoing recruitment and retention pressures. 

The levy gifting initiative also aligns closely with efforts to improve social mobility and support individuals who are not currently in education, employment or training. By opening up access to recognised apprenticeship pathways, the programme aims to create meaningful opportunities for people who may otherwise face barriers to entering the workforce. 

Janine Leightley, Chief Operating Officer at Bright Horizons, said: 

“A strong, skilled workforce is fundamental to delivering high-quality early years education. Levy gifting initiatives such as this play an important role in widening access to training and supporting people to build long-term careers in early years, while helping providers invest in their teams in a sustainable way.” 

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: 

“This £1.3 million investment represents more than funding. It reflects a shared commitment to social change. By working together to support SMEs and partners such as Bright Horizons, we are helping to ensure that high-quality vocational training is accessible and that businesses can continue to develop their people.” 

Unlike many funding schemes, Aldi UK’s levy gifting is available nationally and is not limited by geography or sector. This enables training providers such as Lifetime to support organisations across the country, including childcare providers, to make effective use of the funding through tailored apprenticeship programmes. 

Apprenticeships remain a key route into early years roles, combining structured learning with hands-on experience and helping to build a diverse and future ready workforce for the sector.