Stockport Council explains the Apprenticeship Levy

Stockport Council hosted an “Employer Apprenticeships Briefing” at the Apprenticeships Store, Stockport to help local employers understand the Apprenticeship Levy. 

The event was attended by a number of employers including The Dodd Group, RW Joinery, Bennett Verby Ltd and the Equity Housing Group who found out about:  

• The Apprenticeship Levy and how to use the Digital Apprenticeship Service.

• What it means to be a Levied or non-levied Employer.

• Central government changes to GCSEs, A-Levels, Vocational Qualifications and particularly Apprenticeships.

• How to access grants for Apprenticeships.

• Higher and Degree level Apprenticeships.

David Casserly, one of the Managers in Participation and Education Services, led the event and gave a presentation around understanding the Apprenticeship Levy, information relevant to recruiting an Apprentice and changes in education.

Employers who attended the event thought that the presentation was very easy to follow and understand and they were glad they attended the event as it was very informative.

Councillor Dean Fitzpatrick, Executive Member for Education said:

“It’s so important for employers in Stockport understand the Apprenticeship Levy, a large proportion of businesses in Stockport have apprentices, so they need to make sure they fully understand it.”

New, employer-designed apprenticeship standards (including some up to post-graduate level) have been created. Most of the funding will come from larger employers who will pay the “apprenticeship levy” (a new payroll tax) introduced from April 2017. These employers will be able to access money from their levy accounts to pay for apprenticeship training. Unused levy receipts will be used to support apprenticeships in smaller organisations.

Most public sector employers will be expected to demonstrate progress towards an apprenticeship quota set at 2.3% of their workforce. Smaller employers, as well as larger employers who have spent all of their levy, will be able to access heavily subsidised apprenticeship training.

For further information about Apprenticeships or to be invited to similar future events, contact the Apprenticeships Store at Stockport Council.