If you are an employer considering taking on an apprentice, please watch this presentation. It explains how the apprenticeship budget works and how businesses of all sizes can access it.

New Resource Alert: Growth and Skills Levy Updates 📋The Department for Education has launched a dedicated web page bringing together all the latest updates on the Growth and Skills Levy in one convenient location (https://lnkd.in/enQgTvd5)! Content includes guides on: 🎯 Foundation Apprenticeships - New Level 2 programmes launched in construction, engineering, digital, and health & social care sectors ⏰ Reduced Minimum Duration - Apprenticeships can now be completed in just 8 months (down from 12) 📚 Short Courses Coming - New levy-funded courses in digital, AI, and engineering from April 2026 ✏️ Simplified English & Maths - Adults (19+) can now demonstrate skills through real work tasks rather than formal qualifications 🎓 Refocused Level 7 Funding - Investment prioritised for young people aged 16-21 💡The page features a helpful video explaining how the apprenticeship budget works and how businesses of all sizes can access funding - perfect for clearing up common misconceptions! This builds on the existing apprenticeship levy (0.5% for employers with £3m+ payroll) whilst offering greater flexibility for employers and learners. A good source of high-level information for HR teams, L&D professionals and business leaders planning their workforce development strategy. #GrowthAndSkillsLevy #Apprenticeships #SkillsDevelopment #EarnandLearn #WorkforcePlanning

New Resource Alert: Growth and Skills Levy Updates 📋The Department for Education has launched a dedicated web page bringing together all the latest updates on the Growth and Skills Levy in one convenient location (https://lnkd.in/enQgTvd5)! Content includes guides on: 🎯 Foundation Apprenticeships - New Level 2 programmes launched in construction, engineering, digital, and health & social care sectors ⏰ Reduced Minimum Duration - Apprenticeships can now be completed in just 8 months (down from 12) 📚 Short Courses Coming - New levy-funded courses in digital, AI, and engineering from April 2026 ✏️ Simplified English & Maths - Adults (19+) can now demonstrate skills through real work tasks rather than formal qualifications 🎓 Refocused Level 7 Funding - Investment prioritised for young people aged 16-21 💡The page features a helpful video explaining how the apprenticeship budget works and how businesses of all sizes can access funding - perfect for clearing up common misconceptions! This builds on the existing apprenticeship levy (0.5% for employers with £3m+ payroll) whilst offering greater flexibility for employers and learners. A good source of high-level information for HR teams, L&D professionals and business leaders planning their workforce development strategy. #GrowthAndSkillsLevy #Apprenticeships #SkillsDevelopment #EarnandLearn #WorkforcePlanning

Introducing the Growth and Skills Levy 🤔 The Growth and Skills Levy is a refreshed, flexible approach to investing in workplace learning — building on the foundation laid by the apprenticeship levy. Here’s what organisations need to know: - Broader offer to employers & learners - Foundation Apprenticeships - Short courses (from April 2026) in priority areas like AI, digital, engineering - English & maths requirements for adult apprentices (19+) - Minimum duration reduced to 8 months (from 1 August 2025) - Level 7 funding change (from Jan 2026) If you're an employer, training provider, HR or L&D leader — this is a big shift. Now’s the time to get ahead: - Review your current apprenticeship and training portfolio. - Identify skills gaps or future needs (AI, digital, engineering). - Explore how to use the levy more flexibly — apprentices, short courses, transfers, etc. - Connect with training providers who are preparing to deliver under the new rules. To find out more click the link and review the information in more depth... https://lnkd.in/enQgTvd5

The Growth and Skills Levy is on its way. It marks a big shift from the Apprenticeship Levy, keeping the same foundation, but adding much more flexibility for employers and learners. A few of the key changes include: 🔹 A wider range of funded training options 🔹 New Foundation Apprenticeships 🔹 Short, targeted courses (from April 2026) in areas like AI and digital 🔹 No English & maths requirements for apprentices aged 19+ 🔹 A reduced minimum duration of 8 months (from August 2025) 🔹 Funding changes for Level 7 programmes (from January 2026) So what does this mean for employers, HR leaders, and training providers? It’s time to: 1️⃣ Take stock of your current training and apprenticeship activity. 2️⃣ Map where future skills gaps are likely to appear, especially in digital and technical areas. 3️⃣ Plan how to make use of the levy more creatively, from apprenticeships to shorter, skills-focused courses. 4️⃣ Start conversations with providers who are already preparing for the new model. The bottom line? This reform gives organisations more choice, but also more responsibility to use funding wisely. What’s your first thought on the new Growth and Skills Levy - opportunity, challenge, or a bit of both? #growthandskillslevy #apprenticeships

📈 Education Committee Report: Key Takeaways for Employers on Skills Development The latest Education Committee Report (Further Education & Skills, released 23 September 2025) reveals crucial insights for employers navigating apprenticeships and earn-and-learn schemes: 🚧 The Challenge 🔸 Complexity remains the biggest barrier - particularly for SMEs struggling with bureaucratic processes 🔸 Rigid 20% off-the-job training requirements creating productivity concerns 🔸 Overlapping initiatives causing confusion and diluting employer engagement 💡 Positive Developments 🔹 Foundation apprenticeships welcomed as flexible, shorter routes to employment 🔹 Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) giving employers stronger influence over provision 🔹 Relaxed maths/English requirements for adult apprentices boosting potential uptake ⚠️ Areas of Concern 🔸 Key youth employment sectors (hospitality, retail, care) being excluded from new foundation apprenticeships 🔸 Level 7 apprenticeship funding cuts for 22+ learners risking skills shortages in healthcare and other critical sectors 🔸 Regional devolution potentially creating inconsistency without proper national alignment ✅ What Employers Need 1️⃣ Streamlined processes with tailored SME support 2️⃣ Greater flexibility in training requirements 3️⃣ Clear progression pathways that include all employment sectors 4️⃣ Simplified, aligned initiatives that reduce administrative burden The bottom line: Employers value apprenticeships but need them to be simpler, more flexible, and better aligned with real labour market needs - especially where young people typically begin their careers. #Apprenticeships #SkillsDevelopment #FurtherEducation #EarnandLearn #WorkforceDevelopment #UKBusiness

Let’s be clear: there's too much chatter about “parity of esteem” for apprenticeships that doesn't resonate with reality. As someone who's been entrenched in the sector, I’ve learned that it’s not the government or industry leaders who define this shift. The true architects are employers, parents, and learners themselves. If it were solely in our hands, we would have witnessed this change decades ago. Celebrating words doesn’t substitute for action. Here’s what I’m focused on: 1️⃣ Real, measurable support from employers. 2️⃣ Genuine engagement from parents advocating for apprenticeships. 3️⃣ Learners with the opportunities they truly deserve. I’m holding off on the celebrations until I see a government that's committed through concrete actions, not just hollow phrases. What’s your take on how we can genuinely shift perceptions in our sector? #Apprenticeships #CareerDevelopment #CitySkills 📚Read the blog 👉🏻 https://lnkd.in/ed2PdDMH

Apprenticeships continue to be a highly effective way to attract motivated, career-focused individuals who may not yet have the formal qualifications typically required. These programmes bridge the skills gap by offering structured training alongside consistent weekly support from our dedicated tutors. This not only builds confidence and competence but also helps employees feel valued—ultimately boosting staff retention. It’s a win-win for both employers and apprentices. There’s a common misconception that #Apprenticeships are only for young people or those who are difficult to engage. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Apprenticeships are open to people of all ages and backgrounds. We’re working with a diverse range of individuals—career changers, those disillusioned with traditional education, people aiming for promotion, and others simply ready to pursue a new path. All are committed to learning and growing within their chosen field. In addition to supporting new recruits, apprenticeships also play a vital role in #StaffDevelopment and #Progression. Upskilling existing team members through apprenticeship programmes allows businesses to nurture talent from within, improve practice standards, and prepare staff for leadership roles. Investing in professional growth not only strengthens teams but also demonstrates a clear pathway for career advancement—helping retain passionate, high-quality educators in the sector. Whether you want to upskill existing staff or explore future apprenticeship opportunities, our Business Development team is here to support you every step of the way. Start January 2026 and future-proof your SME engineering team with Train'd Up. Train'd Up offer a range of apprenticeships in the Engineering, Rail and Business Support sectors. Train'd Up is confirmed as the 2nd Largest Training Provider in the UK with a 99.9% Pass Rate in their Apprenticeships. If you would like further advice or wish to discuss your alternative options please give us a call on 📱07867 527951 📧 David.stanton@traindup.org

The conversation around apprenticeship programs often overlooks a vital point: without a structured plan, companies might be leaving productivity and potential tax credits on the table. 🤔 It's not just about filling positions—it's about strategic workforce development! A recent article highlights how a robust apprenticeship setup can reshape your organization's approach to delegation and innovation. Who wouldn't want a well-equipped team that thrives on mentorship and structured growth? 🌱 However, not every approach is created equal. Those wading into this territory must grapple with the distinction between registered programs and informal apprenticeships. Shouldn’t we be prioritizing those that guarantee compliance and access to needed resources? 🤷♂️ With potential benefits like freeing up to 23% of operational focus, upgrading your apprenticeship strategy is more than a recommendation—it's a call to action for businesses looking to grow. What are your thoughts? Is a structured apprenticeship worth the investment? Let’s share insights and debate this respectfully! #Apprenticeship #Training #WorkforceDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #Leadership https://lnkd.in/gA6ZbZMw

🎓 Thinking about Level 7 Leadership training but unsure how to fund it? Our latest blog breaks down the funding options available for Level 7 apprenticeships, so you can support senior talent without stretching your budget. Whether you're new to apprenticeships or just need a refresher, we’ve made it simple to understand what’s possible. 👉 https://lnkd.in/evnrbbbH #ApprenticeshipFunding #WorkforceDevelopment #UpskillStrategically