About the Apprenticeship Levy
The apprenticeship levy is a government initiative that has created long-term, sustainable funding for apprenticeships, as well as creating more opportunities for learning for employees in England.
Due to recent changes to the funding rules, we are currently reviewing our apprenticeship information and policies.
How the Apprenticeship Levy Works
The UK apprenticeship levy allows employers in England to access high quality learning and development opportunities for their employees.
As a provider, we are able to offer practical, relevant education, backed by rigorous academic research and taught by practitioner faculty who are well respected in their field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays into the apprenticeship levy?
Every business in England with an annual salary bill of £3million or more pays into the apprenticeship levy. The current rate is 0.5% of their total pay bill.
Who can access the apprenticeship levy?
Every employer in England can access the apprenticeship levy, whether they pay into it or not.
Employers who do not pay into the levy can still access the funds. They will be asked to make a small contribution to the cost of the training. The employer pays 5% directly to their chosen training provider, and the government will pay 95%.
Who can receive funding?
The apprentice must be an employee with a contract of employment which is long enough to complete the apprenticeship successfully (including the end-point assessment), this does not include individuals who are self-employed.
- Apprentices must be an employee on the first day of their apprenticeship and as a minimum at least be paid a wage consistent with the law for the time they are in work, in off-the-job training and when studying English and maths
- Have the right to work in England
- Spend at least 50% of their working hours in England.
How can I access the levy fund?
Employers who pay into the levy will be provided with a Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account. In this account you will be able to view your balance, review your spend and plan your apprenticeship training for your employees.
What is off-the-job training?
Up until 31st July 2022, 20% off the job training was a legal requirement of all apprenticeships. This requirement still applies to current apprentices.
New apprentices enrolling after 1st August 2022 will be required to complete 6 hours per week of off-the-job training.
Off-the-job training supports the apprentice in achieving the knowledge, skills and behaviours outlined in the relevant apprenticeship standard. It may include lectures, webinars, extra reading or completing assignments. It must take place during the employees contracted, paid working hours (not overtime).
How do apprentices record their learning and off-the-job training?
At Hult Ashridge we use a platform called Pebble Pad, that both the apprentice and their line manager can access. The 6 hours per week off-the-job training must be recorded here, alongside feedback from the line manager and evidence gathered to build the portfolio of learning needed for the end point assessment.
What is on-the-job training?
On-the-job training is quite simply training which takes place in the workplace – usually administered by your manager, or co-workers. On-the-job training helps you to acquire the knowledge, skills and behaviours to do your job efficiently and apply your learning.
Do apprentices need to provide evidence of achievement in Level 2 English and Maths?
Yes. The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) Funding Rules require all applicants who wish to undertake a Level 3 or above apprenticeship to hold or to achieve an approved Level 2 in English and Maths before they can successfully complete an apprenticeship. This is a statutory requirement. If you have English and Maths at Grade C or above at GCSE (or equivalent) you will be asked to provide evidence prior to submitting your application to your chosen apprenticeship.
Apprentices will be enrolled onto functional skills training if they are not able to provide evidence that they hold the relevant qualifications. All apprentices undertaking functional skills must complete it within the first twelve months of their apprenticeship.