Navigating the Latest Apprenticeship Funding Guidance

How to access your funding through the levy

At Varsity Training, we understand that funding apprenticeships can be a complex process, but we are here to guide you every step of the way. The Apprenticeship Levy, introduced by the UK government, is a valuable resource for employers looking to invest in training and development.

1

Levy-Paying Employers

If your annual payroll exceeds £3m, you will automatically contribute to the Apprenticeship Levy. These funds can be used to cover the cost of apprenticeships. Employers now have 12 months to spend their funds, making it essential to plan strategically to maximise your investment.

2

Non-Levy-Paying Employers

If your payroll is less than £3m, you can still access funding through a co-investment scheme. The government will cover 95% of the apprenticeship costs, with employers contributing the remaining 5%. This makes apprenticeship training accessible and affordable for smaller organisations.

3

Additional Funding: Levy Transfer

Levy-paying employers can transfer up to 25% of their annual levy funds to other employers. We can support your organisation in securing additional funding to cover apprenticeship training costs by helping you to connect with employers that are willing to transfer their unspent levy funds.

New funding opportunities for employers

The government’s renewed emphasis on youth employment and early careers pathways provides new opportunities to access funding, attract new talent, and build a sustainable workforce for the future. Employers can benefit from targeted financial support to develop younger entrants into the workforce:

  • £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant for each 18–24-year-old recruited
  • £2,000 Apprenticeship Incentive (SMEs) for apprentices aged 16–24
  • Existing £1,000 Incentive for apprentices aged 16–18
We work in partnership with employers to maximise access to funding and deliver apprenticeships that drive lasting impact. These incentives provide an opportunity to build stronger entry routes into your organisation, develop talent earlier and shape skills from the outset to support future progression.
 
We’d be happy to help you explore current funding options while we wait for further details on these newly announced grant opportunities.

Get funding support now

Our team is on hand to assist you with navigating these options, ensuring you make the most of available funding to support your workforce development needs.