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Apprenticeships

Introduced in 2017 by the government, the Apprenticeship Levy is a tax to fund their plans to deliver a step change in apprenticeship numbers and to drive growth in the economy. Designed to provide funding to employers, the levy allows businesses access to the Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS), regardless of whether they have paid the levy or not, allowing businesses to hire apprenticeships.

For every company that has a wage bill of more than £3 million per annum, it is taxed 0.5% of their wage bill minus a £15,000 allowance. This tax goes into a Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account which the employer can use to upskill new or existing members of staff. If it is not used within 24 months, it is lost.

If your business does not meet the qualifying £3 million wage bill, you will not be eligible for the Apprenticeship Levy, however the government heavily subsidises apprenticeship training programmes. Companies can participate with a contribution of 5% towards the cost of an apprenticeship training programme, the government will pay the remaining 95%.

To start using the apprenticeship levy, you will need to set up an apprenticeship service account on the Gov.UK website, this will provide you access to apprenticeship funding along with tools to help to get you started.

If you are a smaller organisation and you do not qualify for the apprenticeship levy, you can reserve funds, paying 5% of the apprenticeship cost, the government funds the remaining 95%.

A minimum of 16 hours per week and a maximum of 40.

Each apprenticeship has its own duration, starting from 12 months +

Anyone from 16 years old or over can become an Apprentice. Already popular with school and college leavers, apprenticeship applications are also increasing from professionals looking to learn new skills and re-train in another sector. Apprentices must hold a valid passport or birth certificate and National Insurance number.

Yes, an Apprentice will receive a wage based on their age and where they are on their apprenticeship journey. For more information, visit the Apprenticeship website: https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/

You will acquire the knowledge and expertise needed for a professional career. As well as gaining hands-on-experience, other benefits include formal training, personal development, and paid employment.

Apprenticeship vacancies can be found using the same methods for finding a job; LinkedIn, recruitment sites and platforms such as Indeed and they can also be found by searching specifically on companies of interest, on their website and through LinkedIn. Authorised apprenticeship training providers may also offer apprenticeship placement services.

Organisations can also offer apprenticeship programmes for employees they are looking to upskill, therefore if you are already working in a company you wish to progress in, you may be able to ask your business if they can offer you an apprenticeship. Depending on the size of your organisation, they may not need to fund the cost of the apprenticeship. Smaller companies that have a wage bill of less than £3million per annum would be required to contribute 5% towards the cost of the apprenticeship programme.

We are an experienced and authorised apprenticeship training provider, working with organisations, from smaller businesses, charities, to global organisations. Our Apprenticeship Recruitment Consultants work with the applicant to help secure an apprenticeship placement that is suitable for both the business and the Apprentice.