Who you know or what you know?

To acknowledge National Apprenticeship Week 2022, we’ve commissioned research exploring the common myths around applying for jobs, in particular the roadblocks that people experience when looking for an early in career opportunity.

Shockingly, four in five adults believe it really is who you know, not what you know in life – and believe that no matter how hard they work, knowing the right people will help them climb the career ladder more than anything else. At Virgin Media O2, we know how difficult it can be for people – especially those who are younger and just starting out – to get a foot on the career ladder.

It’s a real shame that so many people believe “it’s who you know” rather than who you are and your individual potential. One in five people that we’ve surveyed also think interviewers focus too much on grades and experience – and believe it’s unfair when entry-level jobs ask for experience that may be difficult to obtain.

That’s why for Virgin Media O2’s apprenticeships, we don’t care “who you know” but care “who you are”. Our award-winning Early Careers programme focuses on potential, rather than prior experience, and strives to create opportunities for everyone. We don’t require CVs; we don’t ask for prior experience, we’ve lowered entry level grades, and we carry out ‘blind recruitment’ to remove any potential bias from the shortlisting process to level the playing field. And if someone is unsuccessful, they get feedback, and are able to apply for another apprenticeship. Our apprenticeships offer fantastic on-the-job training where people can earn while they learn on a permanent contract, and they are supported every step of the way. We’re a leading employer in this space, and we hope other employers will follow in our footsteps.

We’re creating more than 200 apprenticeships this year that will support us in our aim of upgrading the UK with the first-class connectivity and the skills the country and our customers will need now and in the future.

Virgin Media O2 is a great place to work and we’re creating a culture where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

We’re proud to be creating 200 apprenticeships roles in 2022. To find out more and apply, visit here.