Navigating Apprenticeship Funding and Support

Navigating Apprenticeship Funding and Support: How BPIF Training Ltd Makes It Easy for Print Industry Employers

Apprenticeships are a proven way for businesses to develop skilled workers, boost productivity, and drive growth. However, many employers in the print industry may feel daunted by the process of setting up and funding an apprenticeship programme. The good news is that there is a range of support and funding available, and with the help of BPIF Training Ltd, navigating this landscape is easier than you might think.

As the UK’s largest provider of print apprenticeships, BPIF Training has extensive experience in guiding employers through the apprenticeship process. We understand that every business is unique, and we work closely with our clients to develop tailored solutions that meet their specific needs and goals.

Levy Payers

The UK government is committed to supporting apprenticeships and has introduced a number of funding initiatives to help businesses cover the costs of training. For example, the Apprenticeship Levy is a fund that all employers with an annual pay bill of over £3 million must contribute to. These funds can then be used to pay for apprenticeship training and assessment.

This means that if you are a levy payer – you are already paying for apprenticeships, so it would be sensible to utilise this funding!

Levy transfers

For employers who pay the Apprenticeship levy but don’t use all their funds, there is an additional opportunity to support skills development in their industry. Levy-paying employers can now transfer up to 50% of their annual levy funds to other businesses, including those in their supply chain or sector. This means that if you have unused levy funds, you can support other print industry businesses to invest in apprenticeships, helping to boost skills and productivity across the sector. At BPIF Training, we can help you navigate the levy transfer process, identifying potential partner businesses and ensuring that the transfer is used effectively to support high-quality training. By transferring unused levy funds, you can maximise your training budget, support the wider industry, and demonstrate your commitment to skills development and collaboration.

On the flip side, if you are a non-levy payer you could be a recipient of a levy transfer which would cover the cost of training. Get in touch with us today to discuss funding opportunities.

Non-Levy Payers

For smaller businesses that don’t pay the levy, there is also support available. The government will fund up to 95% of the cost of apprenticeship training. This means that small print businesses can access high-quality training for their staff at a very low cost.

Since April 2024 the government has scrapped small and medium-sized employer (SME) co-investment payments for apprentices under the age of 22 – which means training for apprentices could be fully subsidised!

How can we help?

We have a team of funding experts who can help employers understand the options available to them and access the support they need. We can guide you through the process of setting up an apprenticeship programme, from choosing the right standard to recruiting apprentices and managing their training.

In addition to funding and assessment support, we also offer a range of resources and tools to help employers manage their apprenticeships effectively. Our online portal provides easy access to information about your apprentices’ progress, attendance, and achievements, as well as resources for learning and development.

WANT TO KNOW WHAT APPRENTICESHIPS ARE RIGHT FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

View our Careers in Print brochure or read our Training Prospectus 

WANT TO FIND OUR MORE OR TALK TO ONE OF OUR STAFF?

Visit our contacts page, email [email protected] or call us on 01676 526060.