Cumbria has one of the highest levels of apprenticeship participation in England.

This spring sees the introduction of a series of changes in the way apprenticeship opportunities are structured and funded.

So do you know about the Apprenticeship Levy and how it can benefit your business, directly or indirectly?

Many employers are already making the necessary arrangements, but there may be ancillary benefits for smaller employers who can work more closely with larger employers to deliver apprenticeships in partnership.

Delivery within this new structure enables employers to manage their own apprenticeship programmes, including how funding can be directed and spent.

Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership is already working with partners to engage with major employers across the county and broker new workforce development arrangements between businesses.

This will include advice and support to businesses to assist in fully utilising the Apprenticeship Levy.

“A concern for many employers is that the money they invest may not be spent in its entirety,” explains Craig Ivison, Head of Skills and Employability at Cumbria LEP.

“However, from 2018 the Government is committed to allowing levy-paying employers to transfer up 10 per cent of the annual value of the funds entering their apprenticeship account to other businesses or apprenticeship training agencies so that the full effects of the investment are still felt across a supply chain.”

Many will be keen to use funds in their account to pay for the apprenticeship training of other employers’ apprentices, for example, someone in their supply chain.

Participating businesses can also pool funds with other employers in a group structure. For those in a group of connected companies paying the levy, they can collect their funds together by registering to have PAYE schemes attached to a single account.

Other large employers may also adopt similar methods to help ensure that they can fill job vacancies with local and fully trained members of the workforce.

“The aim is for local employers to maximise the benefits of the levy by working with other employers and apprenticeship delivery partners,” adds Craig.