Funding
Wehelpyouidentifyskillsgaps,makesenseofthefundingavailableandselecttheapprenticeshipprogrammesthatfitwithyourgoals.
95%
Don't pay the levy? The government funds 95% of your apprenticeship training costs.
What is the Growth and Skills Levy?
The Growth and Skills Levy replaced the Apprenticeship Levy in April 2026. Employers with an annual pay bill over £3 million pay 0.5% into a central skills fund, which can now be used for short apprenticeship units as well as full apprenticeships. It’s designed to create a sustainable investment in skills development across the nation.
0.5% of Pay Bill
Large employers pay 0.5% of their annual pay bill into the levy, which is then available to spend on apprenticeship training.
£3m+ Threshold
Only employers with an annual pay bill exceeding £3 million are required to pay the levy, affecting around 2% of UK employers.
All Sectors Benefit
From healthcare to technology, apprenticeships are available across all industries, enabling businesses to grow skilled talent.
Learn More
Apprenticeship Programmes will Strengthen Your Whole Organisation
From early careers to experienced leaders, apprenticeship programmes are a proven way to build capability at every level of your business.
We can help you discover how your funding can support skills growth across your workforce.
Upskill Current Employees
Help existing team members gain formal qualifications in their current role, from Level 2 certificates to Level 7 degrees.
No Age Limit
There's no upper age limit for apprenticeships. Whether someone is 16 or 58, they can benefit from funded training and development.
Career Changers Welcome
Employees moving into new roles or departments can use apprenticeships to build expertise in their new area without leaving employment.
Leadership Development
Senior apprenticeships in management, leadership, and MBA programmes help develop your future leaders using levy funds.
More than 40% of apprenticeship starts are by people aged 25 and over, many of them existing employees developing new skills.
How the Levy Works
A straightforward four-step process from contribution to workforce development.
1
Pay the Levy
Employers with pay bills over £3m contribute 0.5% monthly through PAYE.
2
Funds Appear in Account
Contributions appear in your digital apprenticeship service account.
3
Choose Training
Select apprenticeship standards and approved training providers for your employees.
4
Develop Your Workforce
Train new or existing staff from entry-level to degree-level qualifications.
Real Cost Example
See what you’d actually pay to enrol an employee on a £18,000 apprenticeship programme
Levy Payer
Pay bill over £3 million
Course Cost
£18,000
Paid from levy funds
You Pay
£0
Uses your existing levy pot
100% funded by levy
Non-Levy Payer
Pay bill under £3 million
Course Cost
£18,000
95% government funded
You Pay
£900
Just 5% of total cost
Save £17,100
Example based on the Level 4 AI and Automation Practitioner (£18,000 funding band). Actual costs vary by programme and provider.
Levy in Numbers
Key figures that demonstrate the scale and impact of the apprenticeship levy scheme.
Funds expire 12 months after entering your account
For non-levy employers, on apprentices aged 25+
Who Pays the Levy?
Understanding your obligations based on your organisation’s pay bill.
Levy Payers
Annual pay bill over £3 million
Pay 0.5% of total pay bill minus £15,000 annual allowance
Funds must be committed within 12 months of entering your account
Access funds via digital apprenticeship service
Can transfer up to 25% of funds to other employers
Once your levy pot is exhausted, co-investment is 25% employer / 75% government
Example: £10m pay bill = £50,000 levy - £15,000 allowance = £35,000 contribution
Non-Levy Payers
Annual pay bill under £3 million
No levy payments required
Government funds 95% of training costs
Employer pays just 5% co-investment
Can receive transferred funds from levy payers
Tip: non-levy employers now get 100% funding for apprentices under 25 — no co-investment at all
Funding eligibility England
Am I Eligible for Apprenticeship Funding?
A quick checklist of the learner conditions providers typically need to evidence - like right to work, residency, where the work happens, and whether the apprentice can complete the programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the apprenticeship levy and how to make the most of it.
001
What happens to unused levy funds?
Levy funds expire 12 months after they enter your digital account. The window halved in April 2026, so unused funds are lost far faster than before. If not used, they’re returned to the government to fund apprenticeships for other employers. It’s important to plan your apprenticeship strategy to maximise your levy investment.
002
Can I use the levy for existing employees?
Yes! The levy isn't just for new hires. You can use funds to upskill existing employees through apprenticeships, from management programmes to technical qualifications. This is often called 'growing your own talent.'
003
What training costs does the levy cover?
The levy covers the cost of apprenticeship training and assessment delivered by approved training providers. It doesn't cover wages, travel costs, equipment, or other employment costs.
004
Can I transfer levy funds to other organisations?
Yes, levy-paying employers can transfer up to 25% of their annual levy funds to other employers. This is particularly useful for supporting apprenticeships in your supply chain or smaller businesses you work with.
Government Funding Rules Are Constantly Changing
Stay informed about the latest changes in government funding regulations and ensure your organisation remains compliant.
Faq
001
Are apprenticeship programmes only for entry-level roles?
No. Apprenticeships run from Level 3 to Level 7, including management and leadership roles.
002
Can apprenticeship programmes support existing staff, not just new hires?
Yes. Most employers use apprenticeships to upskill and retain existing employees.
003
Will this distract teams from their day-to-day role?
No. Apprenticeship programmes are designed around real work and to complement it, not time away from it.
004
How do we know which programme is right for us?
We assess your business priorities and connect you with a programme that will deliver a measurable impact.
005
What about funding and the apprenticeship levy?
We guide you through maximising the apprenticeship levy, funding options and compliance.
006
Do we have to choose a training provider ourselves?
No. We connect you with vetted, high-quality learning providers that fit your needs.
007
What other support is available to businesses taking on apprentices?
As well as connecting your team to the right programmes based on your skills gaps, we:
Handle the logistics and details on funding and your responsibilities
Provide ongoing learner support and business guidance throughout the programme.
008
Is this suitable for small or growing businesses?
Absolutely. Apprenticeships are one of the most cost-effective ways to build capability with any size of business.
009
How long does an apprenticeship take?
The right apprenticeship programme will be matched to the job role and business goals and depends on the level and complexity of the apprenticeship. however on average they take between 12-18 months.
010
What makes Rendstaff different?
We are learning provider neutral and our advice is based on what’s right for your business.
001
Are apprenticeship programmes only for entry-level roles?
No. Apprenticeships are open to new starters and experienced professionals at any stage of their learning journey and generally offer a structured route to more senior roles.
002
What programme levels are available?
From Level 3 through to Level 7, including degree-equivalent pathways with in-demand skills that employers value.
003
Will I receive support throughout the programme?
Yes. We guide you from initial advice through to enrolment, with clear support at every step. You will receive quality learning and mentorship with your tutor throughout the programme.
004
Do I choose the training provider?
We connect you with high-quality programme providers that best support your learning and progression on your growth journey.
005
Do I have to pay anything towards my apprenticeship programme?
No. The cost of your training is met by the employer who is able to access support from the government.
006
Will it help me build and develop my professional network?
Yes. You will be tutored by industry experts from day one and your programme will provide you with valuable networking opportunities and mentorship.