Make the most of fully funded apprenticeships
So, you’re interested in hiring an apprentice or upskilling your existing staff? Here’s the apprenticeship funding information that you need to know.
You might not have heard about the Apprenticeship Levy, but it’s a powerful tool for schools wondering how to fund an apprentice.
It provides funding to train new staff and upskill your existing team, helping develop skills in areas where schools need them most.
However, if the levy isn’t used within 24 months, the funds are lost, so it’s important to make the most of it.
“An extra pair of hands (at Breakfast Club, playground duty, hearing readers, during lessons outside of PE too); this is an additional member of staff for a little over £5,000 of the school budget.
Our involvement with the inspire+ Apprenticeship Programme has allowed us to genuinely impact on the 5 key indicators that the DfE clearly outlined to see improvement of, with the help of the additional funding.”
Apprenticeship Levy FAQs
What is the Apprenticeship Levy?
An apprenticeship will be financed via a digital levy account set up by the Government, which adds an extra 10% to your funds. If the apprenticeship costs more than your available account balance, the Government will cover 95% of the remaining expenses.
Levy funds must be used within 24 months, or they expire, meaning any unclaimed money is lost. For example, if your school has a pay bill of £4 million, failing to claim could see thousands of pounds disappear that could have been invested in training enthusiastic future talent or upskilling current staff.
Who can use the Apprenticeship Levy?
What can the Apprenticeship Levy be used for?
The apprenticeship levy is dedicated solely to apprenticeship training and assessments, but it’s not just for new hires. Schools can also use these funds to develop and upskill existing staff, helping current team members gain new qualifications and enhance their professional skills.
Find out more about the programmes we offer at inspire+
What is a Levy Fund Transfer?
How does the Apprenticeship Levy work for your school?
Academies and Multi-Academy Trusts
As the trust is your employer, they’re likely responsible for the apprenticeship levy.
You may wish to connect with the trust’s head office to enquire how the funding is allocated.
Often, trusts have a coordinated apprenticeship strategy in place, so you may be part of a wider, central approach.
Voluntary Aided Schools
If your governing body’s payroll exceeds £3 million, they are required to contribute to the apprenticeship levy.
To use these funds, you should speak with your governing body to determine how much is available.
In some voluntary-aided schools, the levy can be accessed through the local authority, which should be arranged directly with them.
Community and Voluntary Aided Schools
If your local authority’s payroll exceeds £3 million, they are required to pay the apprenticeship levy.
The authority can inform you of the annual levy funds available for use.
If you’re uncertain about accessing these funds, reach out to them directly for guidance.
Apprenticeship Wage Information
Now we’ve got apprenticeship funding information under our belt, its time to consider the apprentice’s wage. Apprentices of any age in their first year of apprenticeship are entitled to a minimum hourly rate.
If they are 19 or over and have completed the first year of their apprenticeship, they are entitled to the National Minimum Wage according to their age.
For further information, please contact a member of our team or visit: www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
Interested in hiring an apprentice? Let us know
Register your Interest
