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Leigh-Ann Hart ACIPP, End-Point Assessment Team Leader, IPP Education, answers some of those all-important questions regarding apprenticeships
a pay bill of over £3 million annually. Large employers who pay into the levy have a digital account so they can access these funds for apprenticeship training. Smaller employers who don’t pay into the levy will pay just 5% of the cost of the apprenticeship training – the Government then pays the rest. There’s a system in place where a large employer can transfer up to 50% of the funds in their digital account to a smaller employer, allowing the smaller employer to make use of full funding. Levy funds can’t be used to pay apprentice wages, for ‘top-up’ qualifications or for qualifications that aren’t already approved as part of the apprenticeship. It’s important to note at this point that, although the apprenticeship levy is a UK-wide initiative, this information is specific to employers in England, as apprenticeships themselves are a devolved matter and so different rules apply in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Q: How do I get started on the apprenticeship journey? The GOV.UK website provides an up-to-date list of training providers for every apprenticeship Standard available. The list includes location, achievement rates, reviews and contact information. Many of the training providers listed offer assistance with recruitment, so this can be a great starting point on both sides for new apprentices. Alternatively, for people looking for an employer, roles are often advertised on both the GOV.UK website and across general job sites.
Q: Why should I consider employing an apprentice?
An apprentice can be a great asset to your business. If you’re looking to hire a new employee, many training providers will work with you to create a seamless new starter process, from recruitment to registering them as an apprentice and beginning learning. Providing apprenticeship opportunities to existing employees shows the value you hold in their skills, encouraging progression and boosting both loyalty and morale. With levy funding available for up to 100% of the apprenticeship cost, they can be a great cost-effective training tool. And with funding rules set by the Department for Education, transparency of fees is guaranteed.
Q: Why should I become an apprentice?
It’s sometimes assumed that apprenticeships are only for those who are leaving school and looking for an alternative to college and university. And they really are a great alternative for this. However, apprenticeships can actually be taken at any age and stage of life, and for a myriad of reasons. They can be a great way to enter a new industry or to side-step into an adjacent field for those wanting a change, regardless of how long they’ve been working. Apprenticeships can also be used as an upskilling tool to solidify your existing knowledge and gain the skills and behaviours needed to progress within your career. Q: How does levy funding work?
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The apprenticeship levy is paid by large employers with
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