Boosting your workforce with apprenticeships
The apprenticeship levy was introduced last April, so has now been in force for nearly 12 months.
However, we know from the work we do with employers that it is still seen by some as a burden and many organisations don’t get the most out of it.
We have been working with businesses across the region to support them in getting the most out of their levy payments.
Apprenticeships have changed and are no longer simply for 16 year old school leavers. Around half of our apprentices are over the age of 19, with two-thirds of these being 24+.
The breadth of subjects and the level to which students can study has also shifted – in our college around 25% of our apprentices are on a higher apprenticeship.
These types of apprenticeships offer a work-based learning approach, and will generally have a nationallyrecognised qualification at the end. This will see learners developing through level 4 and 5 qualifications, through to level 6 (equivalent to a bachelor degree) and beyond.
Higher apprenticeships span a range of sectors, from those you would expect such as construction and business admin, through to more creative industries including media and design. They are an ideal way for you to upskill and motivate your existing workforce and really utilise your levy.
If you are starting out on this journey, it doesn’t need to be onerous and you don’t need specialist knowledge. Work with an experienced training provider who can guide you through the paperwork and carry out a training needs analysis to ensure your levy return is maximised.
As a levy-paying employer this fund is there to be spent and with the breadth of qualifications available there is an entry level and pathway to suit your employees. Employers with a wage bill of less than £3million a year don’t pay the levy, but can still take on apprentices and upskill employees through an apprenticeships programme. At least 90% of apprenticeship training and assessment costs in England will be paid for by the government for non-levy payers.
Apprenticeships remain a great way to enhance the skills of your existing workforce and open up new opportunities to those entering your business.