Applications welcome for Apprentice Levy business support programme

The Apprentice Levy share programme has been created principally to bring apprenticeship support to businesses. However, it can also unlock a variety of other business services from the council and its partners

Warwickshire County Council is now welcoming applications for support from its newly-launched Apprenticeship Levy share programme.

The council is keen to make all apprenticeship funds shared reach as far as possible by supporting businesses and residents who would benefit greatly from such investment.

The Apprentice Levy share programme has been created principally to bring apprenticeship support to businesses. However, it can also unlock a variety of other business services from the council and its partners, such as staff training, business growth funding and advice on property searches, tendering opportunities and growing your network.

The new scheme will hold a 2019 fund of £300,000 to help businesses take on more apprentices by covering the full training costs associated with an apprenticeship. The council would like to hear initially from businesses looking to take on their first apprentice or increase their number of apprentices as part of the businesses growth plans.

The sectors below are of particular interest, however if you are on a business growth pathway please do get in touch as there may be an alternative route of support.

Health & Social Care          Travel & Tourism                        Rail

Advanced Manufacturing       Childcare                         Hospitality               

The Apprenticeship Levy Small Business Support Programme also offers the opportunity for businesses to recruit a supported young person with an apprenticeship work opportunity.

Across the county there are hundreds of supported young people with much to offer employers but who have not have found the right role for them. These youngsters possess a host of untapped skills which will  flourish in the right environment.

Warwickshire County Council business skills advisor Fay Winterburn said: "We believe these young people, who hold a wide variety of potential skills, are a really effective solution for businesses in combating skills shortages. As a recognised opportunity for businesses we have dedicated part of our budget to supporting business in doing just that.

"Whilst offering someone the opportunity to gain life skills and of course a qualification, businesses can also implement a new skills source and recruitment process with support from ourselves along the way."

The Apprenticeship Levy share programme opened last month and is subject to eligibly checks. Fay will work with each applicants to undertake a free review of training and recruitment needs, help identify whether an apprenticeship is the best route for each company and advise on suitable types of apprenticeship.

For more information, please contact Fay Winterburnon 01926 412216 or 07554 778316 or at faywinterburn@warwickshire.gov.uk