Having been to various events and held many meetings over the last few weeks it's time to share some of the frightening comments and positive experiences I've had around the apprenticeship levy from both training providers and employers. Hopefully this helps inform some of your thinking and planning now we're in apprenticeship levy land.

RESULTS ANNOUNCED

Registration is now open for the apprenticeship service

 The much-awaited digital apprenticeship service is now open for registration. If you are a large employer with a wage bill of over £3 million a year you should register now.

Last time we talked about the digital apprenticeship service and how you need to start planning now. If you have not already used the free planning tool provided by BIS then I strongly recommend that you do so in conjunction with this post. If you need help with this please feel free to let me know once you’ve finished reading.

As a levy paying employer you will need to register for the digital apprenticeship service in order to manage and essentially spend the apprenticeship levy funds and the 10% Government top up. Whilst it is not possible yet to register, it is possible to start to think about and plan how you will manage this process.

 You’ve started paying your levy via HMRC and have funds building up in your Digital Service apprentice account:  What next? 

The greatest shake up of Apprenticeships and how they are funded in England is fast approaching. Consultations with employers and the education sector have taken place, education ministers and even Prime Ministers have come and gone -  it is full steam ahead with Apprenticeship reform.