Apprenticeship Funding Changes

JTL supports employers amid changes to apprenticeship funding

Leading national training provider for electrical and plumbing and heating apprenticeships, JTL is helping employers navigate the recent Government funding changes and understand what they mean for their business.

The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) confirmed last year that small and medium enterprises (SMEs), that do not pay the apprenticeship levy, will be required to access government apprenticeship funding using its online portal, The Apprenticeship Service (TAS).

The ESFA has been testing TAS with a number of SME employers and apprenticeship providers and is now ready for a managed transition extended to all employers from early 2020. During this current test phase, additional funding is made available to fund up to 15,000 new starts through the service.

Caroline Turner, Director of Policy & External Relations at JTL, said: “The main change is that training providers will no longer hold a government funding contract for new apprentice starts. Funding will instead be accessed via individual employer accounts, however, existing apprentices whose funding arrangements are already in place will not be affected. While we are in the early phases of the changes to apprenticeship funding, JTL is already working with employers to make the transitioning process more straight forward.

“JTL field staff, who are already well experienced with working with levy payers and therefore familiar with the systems, will support employers during this period by assisting them to set up their accounts and reserve funding for apprentices due to start during this period. JTL will also offer centralised administration services to employers to support access to funding and management of the accounts.

“At JTL, we’re committed to supporting employers at every stage of the process. We assign each business a dedicated training officer who stays with you and your apprentice throughout the qualification process. They will offer an extensive knowledge of industry frameworks, arrange all your apprentice needs including college and training centres, and provide them with a dedicated assessor”.

JTL has a dedicated national customer service unit with experts available to answer any queries or questions you may have. To find out more about JTL’s apprenticeship costing and funding options please contact us.