Christian Warden urges employers to act now if they are to take full advantage of the apprenticeship levy.
Date for the diary
April 2017 marks the start of the transformation of skills funding for engineering businesses large and small.
The date sees the long-awaited introduction of the apprenticeship levy, drawn from companies with a wage bill in excess of £3m, and used to fund apprenticeship training.
Employers need to start planning now to ensure they get the most from the money they are entitled to, and to best support their company and employees.
The whole Semta Group – Semta, EAL and the Semta Apprenticeship Service (SAS) – is working together to ensure all employers are able to take full advantage of the reforms. We will help companies overcome any barrier and maximise the opportunities this new funding stream will bring.
The Semta Group is involved in every aspect of the apprenticeship levy. We’re helping to shape policy at government level across the UK; directly supporting employers in developing new Apprenticeship Trailblazer Standards and assessment methods (including end-point assessment so that genuine skill needs are met); and working with companies to ensure there is a nationwide Apprenticeship Levy solution, adding return on investment and demonstrable business impact.
One-stop-shop service
The Semta Group one-stop-shop apprenticeship levy support service will provide the best-available information, advice and guidance to employers, employees and individuals.
From recruitment to retirement, we guarantee that both new and existing employees will be able to benefit from the apprenticeship levy and other funding on offer.
Boost for engineering SMEs
It’s not just large employers that will be able to maximise their levy, the great news for SMEs subject to the levy is that they can expect a minimum of 90% funding from government, and for those employing fewer than 50 employees, 100% is available when recruiting apprentices aged 16-18.
We will be on hand to support any business working in the advanced manufacturing and engineering sector, as well as all EAL customers in building services.
The government has rightly recognised the importance of maintaining high quality engineering apprenticeships – and, in many cases, has protected its premium funding (£24,000 – £27,000). There is every chance it will maintain the £350m per annum currently dedicated to engineering apprenticeships.
Make the call!
The Semta Group has unrivalled industry expertise and insight to ensure that businesses make the move to the new form of funding as seamlessly as possible, and – above all – to maximise their return.
One phone call or email to us will get the ball rolling. Our experts will take the strain and guide you through the whole process, supporting employers, individuals and training providers every step of the way to maximise the benefits for your business.
So, for an end-to-end managed service, providing information, advice and guidance, use our tailor-made consultancy. We’ll help you create high quality apprenticeships and ensure your business is ready for the introduction of the levy.
