Funding for apprenticeship training
Available funds for apprenticeship training
The apprenticeship levy is already giving employers, including the council, a real opportunity to invest in high-quality training. We're growing and developing our existing workforce and recruiting new talent on to apprenticeships that contribute to the skilled workforce we need to thrive and succeed.
Following government reforms, we're now able to work with other employers to support them in taking on new apprentices and develop existing employees through apprenticeship training. As a large levy paying employer, we can now transfer up to 25% of our apprenticeship levy funds to local organisations to boost the use of apprenticeships within the city.
Transferred levy funds can only be used to pay for apprenticeship training not salary, travel expenses etc. but can be used across 500+ different apprenticeships, some of which include imbedded degrees and professional qualifications in addition to new skills and knowledge. Available apprenticeships include project management, finance, management and adult/children’s care to name just a few. View the full list of available apprenticeships
More information about apprenticeship levy transfers and the process involved can be found on the ESFA YouTube channel.
Who can receive transferred levy funds
Please note, to apply for levy transfer funds you need to meet the eligibility criteria in the ESFA funding rules. As a council we are looking to encourage applications from organisations based or have employees residing in the Southampton area.
With the support of the Solent Apprenticeship Hub, you will eventually need to
- be registered on the apprenticeship service (we can support you in the process)
- only use the funds for training and assessment for apprenticeship standards
- only use the funds for training and assessment of either new apprentices or existing employees undertaking apprenticeships
What you will need to apply
You'll need the following information when applying
- Your company details and number of employees
- Name, level, duration and value of apprenticeship standard
- Name of training provider
- Number of apprentices you wish to train
- Confirmation that you have read and understood the ESFA Apprenticeship Employer Funding
Rules
Information regarding the apprenticeship training opportunities available to you and the ability to locate local providers can be found on the website.
Application process
Please complete the application form and return to the Emerging Talent team at Southampton City Council for review or contact the Solent Apprenticeship & Skills Hub team for more information.
Applications will be administered by Officers at Southampton City Council.
Transfers can only be made against a named apprentice. If your bid is successful, ‘approval in principle’ will be granted until the apprentice has been recruited or identified and the training provider has confirmed eligibility.
We will open up opportunities to bid for transfer funds each quarter, dependant on available funds.
Applications are open all year round but Southampton City Council reserve the right to close applications at any time.
In the event that applications which meet the selection criteria exceed the funds available, an assessment exercise will be run to confirm successful bids.
If you still have some questions, please get in touch with the Solent Apprenticeship & Skills Hub in the first instance.
Solent Apprenticeship Hub
If you would like to recruit an apprentice but not sure where to start, the city of Southampton is fortunate to have access to the newly established Solent Apprenticeship Hub and they are available to help you decide what apprenticeship standard and training provider are best for your business.
The hub is part-funded by the European Social Fund and supported by Southampton City Council, Portsmouth City Council, Hampshire County Council, Isle of Wight Council, Solent Local Enterprise Partnership, University of Portsmouth and Solent University. Its aim is to provide vital support for those wanting to explore new careers and considering an apprenticeship across the Solent region.
Its advisers are independent and impartial experts in apprenticeships and are available to talk to you about your specific business/organisation needs.
If you would like to discuss your apprenticeship requirements please contact the team at hello@theapprenticeshiphub.com.
Alternatively you can visit the Solent Apprenticeship hub website and complete their enquiry form.
