Cumbria’s local training provider network is already looking at innovative ways to support both larger and small employers with the Apprenticeship Levy.

With job opportunities that require higher level skills on the rise, Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership is working in partnership with local employers and training providers to develop the infrastructure required for skills delivery.

RWP Training Ltd will soon launch its new ‘exhibition trailer’ with 60” monitor for visits to employers’ premises to tell them about apprenticeship opportunities and how it can help them access funding.

It is working on a consultancy basis to assist employers to set up their own systems and processes and provide support and training to staff responsible for maintaining that system.

GEN2 has also been playing a proactive role, initially by undertaking an analysis of Cumbrian-based organisations and businesses and categorising them into those which will be paying the levy directly and those who will not but may benefit from supply chain partnership arrangements.

It has also commenced work on apprenticeship standards and is liaising directly with the apprenticeship service to gain a better understanding of the new digital resources and reporting tools designed to streamline the process whilst updating its resources and supporting employers with one-to-one meetings.

They will also be holding webinars to inform employers, which are open to any business.

Meanwhile Carlisle College has been meeting with levy payers on an individual basis to discuss strategies for recruitment and funding projections.

It has revised its apprenticeship offer in line with Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership priorities and is now working with several household names in relation to their apprenticeship procurement.

The University of Cumbria has also been proactive in hosting events aimed at employers in all sectors across the county.

These were designed to explain changes to the education and training landscape, provide updates on the new funding system and stimulate thinking about how higher and degree level apprenticeships can be utilised to maximise benefits to their workforce and their business.

One-to-one sessions with both levy and non-levy paying employers are designed to provide education solutions to their current and future workforce skill needs.

It has also launched an apprenticeship hub via its website as a single point of entry for employers and potential apprentices, with access to a range of resources.

JTL Training’s team has been speaking with companies directly about the changes, particularly non-levy-paying SMEs, and how they might make the most of the co-funding model.

Its approach has been for one-to-one local engagement backed up with information available online and through leaflets.

Lakes College West Cumbria has been organising surgery sessions designed to provide a range of information resources for employers to see how they can practically maximise the levy.

It has also produced an information leaflet and checklist for an employer breakfast in national apprenticeship week.