Understand the Apprenticeship Levy – and why it’s important to take action in March

13th February 2018 | Fiona Gamwell

The countdown is on to this year’s National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from 5^th – 9^th March. The event is designed to encourage employers and apprentices to share their stories and experiences, and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

As you probably know, at Hudson Contract we are passionate about apprentices – and helping firms to realise that taking on apprentices can be simple, straightforward and hugely beneficial for all concerned.

So here’s your at-a-glance-guide – put together with our partners at Leeds College of Building – to the funding you can access to help pay for your apprentice:

APPRENTICES AGED 16-18

You have less than 50 employees	You have more than 50 employees but your annual salary bill is under £3m	You have more than 50 employees and your annual salary bill is over £3m
The government will pay 100% of the apprenticeship fees & you’re also eligible for a £1,000 incentive payment	The government will pay 90% of the apprenticeship fees & you’re also eligible for a £1,000 incentive payment	Access your funding through the Digital Apprentice Service via your government gateway & you’re also eligible for a £1,000 incentive payment

The additional £1,000 incentive is accessed through the training provider

APPRENTICES AGED 19+

You have less than 50 employees	You have more than 50 employees but your annual salary bill is under £3m	You have more than 50 employees and your annual salary bill is over £3m
The government will pay 90% of the apprenticeship fees	The government will pay 90% of the apprenticeship fees	Access your funding through the Digital Apprentice Service via your government gateway

Top Tips

Click here to find out about National Apprenticeship Week events being held near you.
Colleges and training providers are often able to provide flexible training solutions that meet the needs to your particular business – and some are done in blocks of training which you may find works better for your business than traditional day release learning.
Make sure you visit your local training provider to check out the facilities, the courses, and the tutors. You’ll probably find there’s a dedicated Apprenticeship Team to help you sort out the funding and checks you need to go through when taking on your first apprentice.
We know work ethic and personality are key when looking to take on an apprentice. So ask the training providers if they can arrange work-based trials, enabling you to get to know your potential apprentice before taking the plunge.

Our video on the National Apprenticeship Levy is here