Employers can get help from the government to pay for apprenticeship training. The amount of funding depends on whether they pay the apprenticeship levy.
The Apprenticeship Levy is a UK tax introduced in April 2017. It mandates employers with annual payrolls over £3 million to contribute 0.5% of their total payroll. These funds are allocated for apprenticeship training within the company or can be transferred to other businesses for similar purpose.
Funding can be used to upskill both new apprentices and current employees, making it a flexible solution for various training needs.
Employers can manage apprenticeship funding through their Apprenticeship Service Account, an online government service that simplifies the process.
Apprentices do not have to bear the costs of their training and assessment, as these are covered through employer funding or government support.
Additionally, apprentices are entitled to receive a wage, ensuring they earn while they learn. This support enables apprentices to focus on their studies and practical experience without the burden of tuition fees.
There are 30 funding bands, each with an upper limit of funding available for each apprenticeship. These bands range from £1,500 to £27,000, depending on the level and complexity of the apprenticeship.
The minimum duration for an apprenticeship is 12 months. Funding is only available for apprenticeships meeting this requirement.
At least 20% of an apprentice’s working hours must be spent on off-the-job training. This training must be directly relevant to the apprenticeship standard and can include learning that takes place at work, at home, or at a training provider’s site.
For more detailed guidance on how to apply for funding, manage funds, and understand the specific rules that apply, please get in touch.
If you have any questions about Kent programmes, need help selecting the right apprenticeship or require information on funding, timelines and more, please don't hesitate to reach out.
We're always here to help you navigate through the process.