A North East based apprenticeship provider is offering regional businesses free consultations to prepare for major changes in the way apprenticeships are funded and delivered in the UK.
Newcastle City Learning, part of Newcastle Council based on West Road, Newcastle is offering free workshops and one-to-one sessions to businesses to share their knowledge and expertise on the new Apprenticeship Levy
On 6 April 2017, the UK Government is set to introduce a new Apprenticeship Levy, requiring all employers operating in the UK with a pay bill of more than £3million a year to invest in apprenticeships. The levy will help the Government meet its target of delivering three million apprenticeships by 2020.
Elaine Withycombe, Business Consultant, at Newcastle City Learning, said: “The Apprenticeship Levy has caused confusion among businesses and we want to help reassure and guide North East businesses through the changes.
“Our free consultations will explain exactly what employers can expect from the Apprenticeship Levy and will provide the opportunity for regional and local businesses to ask any questions they may have about the changes.”
From the spring, levy payments made by businesses will be paid into an individual digital apprenticeship service account, from which a business can pay for the training and assessment of staff. The Government will pay an additional top-up of 10% into the account to contribute to apprenticeships. Newcastle City Learning consultations will aid understanding of how these changes will impact on businesses in the North East.
In addition to the new levy, the government is introducing a number of incentives for employees looking to recruit apprentices. These include paying employers £1,000 for each apprentice aged between 16-18 (or older learners with a local authority care plan).
Elaine continued, “Taking on an apprentice is a viable and beneficial option to grow a business while keeping staff costs low. As well as creating a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce, apprenticeships can boost productivity and encourage new ideas and knowledge sharing.
“It’s important that businesses consider what these new changes will mean for their organisation. We’re keen to speak to any employers in the North East that wish to discuss the changes in more detail.”
Newcastle City Learning offers courses, NVQs, apprenticeships and other learning opportunities to adults within the North East of England – covering Newcastle, Gateshead, South Tyneside, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Sunderland and Durham.
To find out more about their apprenticeship offering or to book a free Apprenticeship Levy consultation, contact Elaine Withycombe or Dan Gibson on 0191 2773506.