Chamber Training welcomes Autumn Budget announcement on Apprenticeships

Businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire that are thinking of taking on apprentice can make the most of announcements in the Chancellor’s Budget according to a regional expert. 

Sally Lucas, executive director at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training, said some of the detail from the Budget around training and support for young people was yet to emerge but that some of the benefits of employing an apprentice were already clear.

Chamber Training offers a range of apprenticeships – from accountancy and business administration to hairdressing – and works with a range of employers across the region.

And Sally encouraged more businesses to get in touch about apprenticeship opportunities after the Government offered further incentives, including fully-funded training and assessment for non-levy paying employers for employees under the age of 25.

Sally said: “This is a really positive step as it has removed all the training and assessment costs from employers who don’t pay the Apprenticeship Levy for apprentices who are under 25.

“We know there has been a huge amount of talk about the cost of employment rising but this will be a real benefit to SMEs who are thinking of taking on an apprentice.

“On top of that, and while this is not new, employers don’t pay any National Insurance for an apprentice aged under 25 unless they earn over £50,000 so that is another reason to look at this as an option for growing a workforce.”

The announcement is part of a wider £725m uplift in the Apprenticeship Programme Budget over the next three years as well as the £820m Youth Guarantee Funding which could incentivise employers to create opportunities for young people, although full details are still to emerge.

Sally added: “The ten per cent Apprenticeship Levy top up which saw the £1m of the allocation become £1.1m of virtual credit for levy payers to spend is coming to an end while Levy funds in digital accounts will expire in 12 months rather than 24 months.

“I’d urge firms to get in touch with us and we can help them to navigate the world of apprenticeships and training if they need support.”

Find out more about taking on an Apprentice here: Apprenticeships for businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire or email enquiries@cw-chambertraining.co.uk