Apprenticeships

Apprenticeship’s are government funded training programmes for new or existing employees in a company.

Many people think that an apprenticeship is just for 18 to 21 year olds but that’s not the case, apprenticeships are for anyone of any age who want to progress their career and gain more experience.

Apprenticeship Standards are finalised qualifications frameworks which outline the apprenticeship content and learning outcomes. These have been formalised in collaboration with major partners in the apprenticeship standard sector, for example the Marketing Manager apprenticeship standard has been formalised in conjunction with A F Selection, British Airways, Bauer Media Group, Birmingham City University, British Engines, British Telecommunications PLC, Clarks Ltd, Portsmouth City Council, Mercedes Benz Financial Services UK Ltd, Plott Creative, Prospects Services, and Seetec.

To find a full list of apprenticeship standards visit - https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/apprenticeship-standards

The apprenticeship levy was introduced by the government on April, 6th 2017. All employers with an annual wage bill of £3 million plus will pay into the levy, to invest in apprenticeships. 

This affects roughly 1.5% to 2% of employers in England, who will then access the apprenticeship levy to fund apprenticeships. Those affected by the levy will contribute 0.5% of their annual wage bill but will also be allocated a £15,000 per year allowance for training plus a 10% monthly top-up from the government paid, directly into their digital apprenticeship service account. 

Find out more on our Explaining the Apprenticeship Levy page. 

Apprenticeships provide an incredible opportunity for UK businesses to develop their people, with government funding available whether you pay the Apprenticeship Levy or not. Professional Academy can assist in all aspects of the scheme, from accessing funding to delivering training and providing ongoing support.

Professional Academy’s Apprenticeships will be delivered via blended learning which will include study materials, group and individual training sessions, eLearning and virtual workshops. Employees will also have regular visits from tutors to check that everything is on track.

The rates vary and are made up of 15 funding bands from £1,500 to £27,000. Apprentices from levy-paying organisations can access 100% funding, or can top up if their levy is insufficient. Non-levy payers can access up to 95% funding, contributing the final 5% themselves. Each apprenticeship standard will include banding information. You can find the apprenticeship standards here or contact one of the Professional Academy Team on 01223 365505.

There are many benefits of having apprentices in your business, such as improved staff retention, and increased sales due to better trained staff.

Professional Academy have a long history of delivery in Professional Accredited Qualifications and training for businesses of varying sizes placing them in a unique position amongst apprenticeship providers. We believe in a flexible blended learning approach that mirrors our successful qualification and training delivery, we also believe in supporting professionals with professionals and as such all of our trainers and mentors are active practitioners in the disciplines they are supporting.

If you know what employees, you want to put on an apprenticeship all you need to do is get in contact with us on 01223 365505 to talk further on what apprenticeship you want your employees to do and when you want them to start.

There is one payment option, Levy payment is directly to HMRC through PAYE. Levy payers will automatically pay into their Apprenticeship account, which will be topped up by 10% by government contributions. Payment is made directly to training providers on a monthly basis (based on evidence of progress).

Non-levy-payers apply for apprenticeship funding and, on approval, agree with the training provider how their contribution (15%) will be made. In both cases, provision for the end-point-assessment is agreed at the start of the training.

Progress through every Apprenticeship is measured as an on-going process. The end-point-assessments vary from submission of a portfolio of evidence to a dissertation, workplace assessment or online exam. The training provider must be different to the end-point-assessor. This will be agreed at the start of the Apprenticeship process.

Each apprenticeship has different requirements regarding completion, from 12 months for some, to 4 years for a degree level apprenticeship.