Apprenticeship funding
Funding solutions for Kent apprenticeship programmes, designed to support both employers and apprentices.
Apprenticeship Funding at the University of Kent
Funding Opportunities
Employers can receive government support to help cover the cost of apprenticeship training through the Growth and Skills Levy.
The Growth and Skills Levy replaces the former Apprenticeship Levy and aims to create a more flexible skills system that better meets employer needs. Large employers with an annual payroll above £3 million contribute 0.5% of their pay bill into a digital account which can be used to fund apprenticeship training. Employers can use these funds to train new apprentices or upskill existing employees.
Levy-paying employers
Employers who pay the Growth and Skills Levy can use the funds to pay for 100% of apprenticeship training and assessment costs, up to the maximum funding band.
Levy-paying employers can also transfer up to 50% of their funds to other organisations, helping smaller businesses access apprenticeship funding.
Non-levy-paying employers
Employers who do not pay the levy can still access government funding for apprenticeships through co-investment.
- For apprentices aged under 25, training costs are fully funded for small and medium-sized employers.
- For those over 25, employers typically pay 5% of the training costs, with the government covering the remaining 95%.
Employers can manage apprenticeship funding through their Apprenticeship Service Account, an online government service that simplifies the process.
Apprentice Support
Apprentices do not have to bear the costs of their training and assessment, as these are covered through employer funding or government support.
Additionally, apprentices are entitled to receive a wage, ensuring they earn while they learn. This support enables apprentices to focus on their studies and practical experience without the burden of tuition fees.
Wages for Apprentices
- Employers are responsible for paying apprentices for their normal working hours and any training they do as part of the apprenticeship.
- Apprentices must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage rate, which varies depending on their age and the year of their apprenticeship.
- The employment contract should clearly confirm the rate of pay for apprentices.
Criteria and Requirements:
Funding Bands
There are 30 funding bands, each with an upper limit of funding available for each apprenticeship. These bands range from £1,500 to £27,000, depending on the level and complexity of the apprenticeship.
Duration of Apprenticeships
The minimum duration for an apprenticeship is 12 months. Funding is only available for apprenticeships meeting this requirement.
Off-the-Job Training
At least 20% of an apprentice’s working hours must be spent on off-the-job training. This training must be directly relevant to the apprenticeship standard and can include learning that takes place at work, at home, or at a training provider’s site.
For more detailed guidance on how to apply for funding, manage funds, and understand the specific rules that apply, please get in touch.
Get in Touch
If you have any questions about Kent programmes, need help selecting the right apprenticeship or require information on funding, timelines and more, please don't hesitate to reach out.
We're always here to help you navigate through the process.
