Employ an apprentice in the UK

Funding an apprentice in England, UK can be done through various mechanisms, depending on the size of your business and whether you are a levy-paying employer or a smaller employer. Here are the primary funding options:

Apprenticeship Levy: The apprenticeship levy is a tax on large employers with a pay bill over £3 million each year. If your business falls into this category, you must pay the apprenticeship levy through the PAYE process. You can then use funds from your apprenticeship levy account to pay for the training and assessment costs of apprenticeships. The government also provides a 10% top-up to your levy funds.

Co-Investment: If your business is not a levy payer, you can still access funding for apprenticeships through co-investment. The government will contribute 95% of the apprenticeship training and assessment costs, while you will pay the remaining 5%. You'll need to agree on a payment schedule with the training provider, and the government will pay their share directly to them.

Small Employer Incentive: For small businesses with fewer than 50 employees, the government provides additional support to cover the costs of hiring and training apprentices. If you recruit an apprentice aged 16-18 or aged 19-24 with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan or who has been in the care of their local authority, you may be eligible for a £3,000 incentive payment.

Additional Support for Hiring Apprentices: The government may offer additional support or incentives for hiring apprentices in certain sectors or regions. Keep an eye out for specific schemes or funding opportunities that may apply to your business.

Training Provider Support: Some training providers may offer additional funding or financial incentives to employers to encourage them to take on apprentices. You can inquire with potential training providers about any additional support they may offer.

Apprenticeship Grants: In some cases, there may be grants available from government bodies, industry associations, or charitable organisations to support the costs of apprenticeship training. Research any available grants or financial assistance programmes that may apply to your industry or region.

It's essential to carefully consider the funding options available to you and ensure that you understand the requirements and obligations associated with each funding mechanism. Working with a reputable training provider can also help you navigate the funding process and maximise the benefits of hiring and training apprentices for your business.

Welsh Government Apprenticeship Programme: The Welsh Government provides funding to support apprenticeships through its Apprenticeship Programme. This programme aims to help employers recruit and train apprentices by covering a significant portion of the training costs.

Apprenticeship Levy: If your business has a pay bill over £3 million each year, you are required to pay the apprenticeship levy. The funds collected through the levy can be used to pay for apprenticeship training and assessment costs. However, it's important to note that the rules and rates may vary slightly from those in England.

Co-Investment: If your business is not a levy payer, you can still access funding for apprenticeships through co-investment. The Welsh Government will contribute towards the costs of apprenticeship training and assessment, with the employer required to make a financial contribution.

Welsh Government Grants and Incentives: The Welsh Government may offer grants and incentives to support employers in hiring and training apprentices. These incentives could include financial support for hiring apprentices from specific target groups, such as young people or individuals with disabilities.

European Social Fund (ESF): Some apprenticeship programmes in Wales may be funded in part by the European Social Fund (ESF). These funds aim to improve employment opportunities and promote social inclusion, and they may contribute to the costs of apprenticeship training and support.

Sector-Specific Funding: In certain industries or sectors, additional funding may be available to support apprenticeships. This could include funding from industry bodies, sector-specific training programmes, or other sources.

Training Provider Support: Training providers in Wales may offer additional support or incentives to employers to encourage them to take on apprentices. This could include discounts on training costs, assistance with accessing funding, or other forms of support.

It's important to research and understand the funding options available to you as an employer in Wales and to work closely with training providers and relevant government agencies to access funding and support for apprenticeships. Each funding mechanism may have specific eligibility criteria and requirements, so be sure to check the details and ensure compliance with any applicable regulations.

Apprenticeship Levy: If your business has a pay bill over £3 million each year, you are required to pay the apprenticeship levy. The funds collected through the levy can be used to pay for apprenticeship training and assessment costs. However, it's important to note that the rules and rates may vary slightly from those in other parts of the UK.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS): SDS is the national skills body in Scotland, and they provide funding and support for apprenticeships. They offer a range of services to employers, including assistance with recruitment, funding advice, and help with accessing training providers.

Apprenticeship Employer Grant: The Scottish Government offers the Apprenticeship Employer Grant to encourage employers to take on new apprentices. This grant provides financial support to employers who hire an apprentice aged 16-24. The grant is intended to help with the costs associated with taking on a new apprentice, including recruitment and training costs.

Apprenticeship Family of Funds: The Scottish Government provides funding through various apprenticeship family funds to support the delivery of apprenticeships in specific sectors or to specific groups of individuals. These funds aim to increase the number of apprenticeships available and to support employers in providing high-quality training opportunities.

Regional Funding: In addition to national funding programmes, there may be regional funding initiatives or grants available to support apprenticeships in specific areas of Scotland. These funds may be administered by local authorities, economic development agencies, or other regional organisations.

Sector-Specific Funding: Some industries or sectors in Scotland may have their own funding schemes or incentives to support apprenticeships. These could include grants, subsidies, or other financial support provided by industry bodies, trade associations, or sector-specific training organisations.

Modern Apprenticeship Frameworks: Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland are funded through a combination of employer contributions, government funding, and European Social Fund (ESF) support. The specific funding arrangements may vary depending on the apprenticeship framework and the age of the apprentice.

It's essential to research the available funding options and support mechanisms in Scotland and to work closely with Skills Development Scotland and other relevant organisations to access funding for apprenticeships. Each funding source may have its own eligibility criteria and application process, so be sure to check the details and ensure compliance with any requirements.

Apprenticeship Levy: If your business has a pay bill over £3 million each year, you are required to pay the apprenticeship levy, similar to the setup in other parts of the UK. The funds collected through the levy can be used to pay for apprenticeship training and assessment costs.

Apprenticeship Training Support (ATS): The Department for the Economy (DfE) in Northern Ireland provides funding through the Apprenticeship Training Support (ATS) scheme. This scheme offers financial assistance to employers to help cover the costs of off-the-job training for apprentices.

Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme: The Northern Ireland Executive may offer incentives or grants to employers to encourage them to take on apprentices. These incentives could include financial support for hiring apprentices from specific target groups, such as young people or individuals with disabilities.

Assured Skills Programme: The Assured Skills Programme, administered by the Department for the Economy, offers support to employers in Northern Ireland to address specific skills gaps through bespoke training programmes. While not specifically focused on apprenticeships, this programme can help employers access funding for training initiatives that may include apprenticeships.

Sector-Specific Funding: Some industries or sectors in Northern Ireland may have their own funding schemes or incentives to support apprenticeships. These could include grants, subsidies, or other financial support provided by industry bodies, trade associations, or sector-specific training organisations.

European Social Fund (ESF): In some cases, apprenticeship programmes in Northern Ireland may be funded in part by the European Social Fund (ESF). These funds aim to improve employment opportunities and promote social inclusion, and they may contribute to the costs of apprenticeship training and support.

Training Provider Support: Training providers in Northern Ireland may offer additional support or incentives to employers to encourage them to take on apprentices. This could include discounts on training costs, assistance with accessing funding, or other forms of support.

It's essential to research the available funding options and support mechanisms in Northern Ireland and to work closely with the Department for the Economy and other relevant organisations to access funding for apprenticeships. Each funding source may have its own eligibility criteria and application process, so be sure to check the details and ensure compliance with any requirements.

Create an Account: If you haven't already done so, you'll need to create an account on the Apprenticeship Service website. You can do this by visiting the "Register for an apprenticeship service account" page on the GOV.UK website.

Provide Company Details: Once you have created an account, you'll need to provide details about your company, including your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) or Companies House number. This information will be used to verify your eligibility to access apprenticeship funding.

Register Your Apprenticeship: After providing your company details, you can register your apprenticeship vacancy on the Apprenticeship Service. You'll need to provide information about the apprenticeship standard or framework you plan to use, the job role, the expected duration of the apprenticeship, and any other relevant details.

Select a Training Provider: As part of the registration process, you'll also need to select a training provider to deliver the off-the-job training component of the apprenticeship. You can search for approved training providers through the Apprenticeship Service website.

Agree to the Funding Rules: Before finalizing your registration, you'll need to review and agree to the apprenticeship funding rules. These rules outline the requirements and obligations associated with accessing apprenticeship funding, including your responsibilities as an employer.

Submit Your Registration: Once you have provided all the necessary information and agreed to the funding rules, you can submit your apprenticeship registration through the Apprenticeship Service. After submission, your registration will be reviewed, and you will receive confirmation once it has been approved.

Manage Your Apprenticeship: Once your apprenticeship is registered, you can use the Apprenticeship Service to manage your apprenticeship programme, including tracking the progress of your apprentices, accessing funding, and making any necessary updates to your registration.

By registering your apprenticeship through the Apprenticeship Service, you can access government funding to support the training and development of your apprentices. It's essential to ensure that you comply with all relevant regulations and guidelines to maximise the benefits of apprenticeship training for your business.

Visit the Apprenticeship Matching Service Website: Go to the Apprenticeship Matching Service website (https://ams.cymru.gov.uk/).

Create an Account or Log In: If you haven't already done so, you'll need to create an account on the AMS website. This account will allow you to access the employer portal and manage your apprenticeship registrations. If you already have an account, log in using your credentials.

Access the Employer Portal: Once logged in, navigate to the employer portal section of the website. This is where you can register your apprenticeship vacancies and manage your apprenticeship programmes.

Register Your Apprenticeship: Within the employer portal, you should find an option to register your apprenticeship vacancy. Follow the instructions provided to input information about the apprenticeship, including the job role, apprenticeship standard or framework, expected duration, and any other relevant details.

Select a Training Provider: As part of the registration process, you will also need to select a training provider to deliver the off-the-job training component of the apprenticeship. You can choose from approved training providers listed on the AMS website.

Agree to Terms and Conditions: Before finalizing your registration, you may be required to agree to the terms and conditions associated with the apprenticeship programme. This may include agreeing to comply with funding rules and other requirements.

Submit Your Registration: Once you have provided all the necessary information and agreed to the terms and conditions, you can submit your apprenticeship registration through the AMS website. Your registration will then be processed, and you will receive confirmation once it has been approved.

Manage Your Apprenticeship: After your apprenticeship is registered, you can use the employer portal on the AMS website to manage your apprenticeship programme. This includes tracking the progress of your apprentices, accessing funding, and making any necessary updates to your registration.

By registering your apprenticeship through the AMS website, you can access funding and support to help cover the costs of training and development for your apprentices. Make sure to comply with all relevant regulations and guidelines to ensure the success of your apprenticeship programme.

Visit the SDS Website: Go to the Skills Development Scotland website (skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk).

Create an Account or Log In: If you haven't already done so, you may need to create an account on the SDS website. This account will allow you to access the employer portal and manage your apprenticeship registrations.

Access the Employer Portal: Once logged in, navigate to the employer portal section of the website. This is where you can register your apprenticeship vacancies and manage your apprenticeship programmes.

Register Your Apprenticeship: Within the employer portal, you should find an option to register your apprenticeship vacancy. Follow the instructions provided to input information about the apprenticeship, including the job role, apprenticeship standard or framework, expected duration, and any other relevant details.

Select a Training Provider: As part of the registration process, you will also need to select a training provider to deliver the off-the-job training component of the apprenticeship. You can choose from approved training providers listed on the SDS website.

Agree to Terms and Conditions: Before finalizing your registration, you may be required to agree to the terms and conditions associated with the apprenticeship programme. This may include agreeing to comply with funding rules and other requirements.

Submit Your Registration: Once you have provided all the necessary information and agreed to the terms and conditions, you can submit your apprenticeship registration through the SDS website. Your registration will then be processed, and you will receive confirmation once it has been approved.

Manage Your Apprenticeship: After your apprenticeship is registered, you can use the employer portal on the SDS website to manage your apprenticeship programme. This includes tracking the progress of your apprentices, accessing funding, and making any necessary updates to your registration.

By registering your apprenticeship through the SDS website, you can access funding and support to help cover the costs of training and development for your apprentices. Make sure to comply with all relevant regulations and guidelines to ensure the success of your apprenticeship programme.

Visit the Apprenticeship NI Website: Go to the Apprenticeship NI website provided by the Department for the Economy (https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/apprenticeships).

Create an Account or Log In: If you haven't already done so, you'll need to create an account on the Apprenticeship NI website. This account will allow you to access the employer portal and manage your apprenticeship registrations. If you already have an account, log in using your credentials.

Access the Employer Portal: Once logged in, navigate to the employer portal section of the website. This is where you can register your apprenticeship vacancies and manage your apprenticeship programmes.

Register Your Apprenticeship: Within the employer portal, you should find an option to register your apprenticeship vacancy. Follow the instructions provided to input information about the apprenticeship, including the job role, apprenticeship standard or framework, expected duration, and any other relevant details.

Select a Training Provider: As part of the registration process, you will also need to select a training provider to deliver the off-the-job training component of the apprenticeship. You can choose from approved training providers listed on the Apprenticeship NI website.

Agree to Terms and Conditions: Before finalizing your registration, you may be required to agree to the terms and conditions associated with the apprenticeship programme. This may include agreeing to comply with funding rules and other requirements.

Submit Your Registration: Once you have provided all the necessary information and agreed to the terms and conditions, you can submit your apprenticeship registration through the Apprenticeship NI website. Your registration will then be processed, and you will receive confirmation once it has been approved.

Manage Your Apprenticeship: After your apprenticeship is registered, you can use the employer portal on the Apprenticeship NI website to manage your apprenticeship programme. This includes tracking the progress of your apprentices, accessing funding, and making any necessary updates to your registration.

By registering your apprenticeship through the Apprenticeship NI website, you can access funding and support to help cover the costs of training and development for your apprentices. Make sure to comply with all relevant regulations and guidelines to ensure the success of your apprenticeship programme.