As part of a package of reforms to support small businesses, the Government has committed £60 million to enable up to 20,000 more apprenticeships, primarily for young people. The Government has confirmed that for new starts from 1 April where employers do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy it will fund all the apprenticeship training costs, up to the funding band maximum, for apprentices aged between 16 and 21 years old when they start their apprenticeship training. CITB has confirmed to that there will be no changes to its apprenticeship grants.
For employers that pay the Apprenticeship Levy, the Government is also increasing the amount of funding that can be transferred to other employers. Employers can now transfer up to 50% of their funds (previously 25%) to help employers in their supply chain and other SMEs pay for the delivery of apprenticeships. Members that pay the Apprenticeship Levy can use the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer to advertise the opportunity via their apprenticeship service account, with the option to specify that only certain employers in particular sectors or regions can apply in order to target skills shortages within their supply chains. Once advertised, other employers can view the opportunities and submit an application for funding.
