Apprenticeships: Advice & key updates to the apprenticeship service
Finding a training provider
If you/ your members are struggling to find a provider offering the apprenticeship training you need, you/ members can now fill out a simple online form by choosing the relevant course(s) and clicking “Can’t find a training provider? Share your Interest.”
You/members will be notified by email of any providers who are able to support the requested apprenticeship training, so you/members can contact them to discuss. Your/members’ contact details will not be shared.
ESFA YouTube Channel
There is also an Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) YouTube channel, providing employers with more information. To view more information about the above tool, please visit the YouTube channel link , and select the playlist titled Apprenticeship Service - Webinar Recordings.
Road to a quality apprenticeship – a practical guide
The recently published road to a quality apprenticeship provides information to help you/members achieve a quality experience for apprentices while maximising the benefits for business.
Other information soon available here:
Improvements to apprentice onboarding
New apprentices that are added to employers’ apprenticeship service accounts will receive an email requesting them to review and confirm the details of their apprenticeship. Apprentices will be able to refer back to these details during their apprenticeship. They will also have access to guidance on what is expected of them, their provider and their employer.
Improvements to apprenticeship training and assessment
Within employers’ accounts, employers will be able to select which version of an apprenticeship standard they would like to be delivered by providers and end-point assessment organisations. This will help to ensure training matches business needs and that apprentices receive the right training and assessment.
Improvements to transferring and accessing funding
Employers who pay the apprenticeship levy (those with an annual pay bill of more than £3 million) will be able to pledge unspent levy funds (up to their 25% transfer allowance) to support apprenticeships in other businesses.
All businesses will be able to see these pledges on a public website and apply for funding to pay for 100% of their apprenticeship training and assessment costs (up to the funding band maximum).
HELP AND SUPPORT
If you/your members require support using the apprenticeship service, please watch how-to videos, check the advice on apprenticeships.gov.uk or visit the help portal where you/members can access help articles, webchat with an adviser, call (08000 150 600) or text (07588 690018) our helpline, or email the helpdesk.