With an estimated one in three businesses in Southampton still in the dark about the apprenticeship levy, Totton College Projects Team, is offering one-to-one business advice to local employers as part of National Apprenticeship Week from 6 March to 10 March.
From April 2017, employers with wage bills of more than £3m will be required to put 0.5% of their payroll into the levy to fund apprenticeships. The plan is to double spending on apprentices in England, creating three million new apprenticeships.
Findings from a recent study published by City & Guilds shows that only 33% of employers fully understand the apprenticeship levy and 28% were unsure whether it would affect their business.
Alongside advice sessions, Totton College, a technical education provider and apprenticeship champion, has a range of activities lined-up throughout the week, highlighting the benefits of apprenticeships.
‘Ladder of Opportunity’ is the theme this National Apprenticeship Week, now in its 10th anniversary year, focusing on the progression routes of apprenticeships, from traineeships through to higher and Degree apprenticeships. Students at the College can win £20 Amazon vouchers each day throughout the week by posting selfies next to a photo of a ladder, placed around the college with the #ClimbToTheTop to Totton College Instagram and Facebook pages.
Interesting facts and quiz questions will be shared via social media throughout the week to further spark engagement and to prompt businesses and prospective apprentices, to find out more about this thriving area of training and development.
Ellie Winfield, Apprenticeships and Work Related Learning Manager, believes there has never been a better time to get on board:
“Apprenticeship opportunities are vast and the number of industry sectors investing in apprenticeship schemes is at a record high and continuing to grow. With daunting by University fees, for many students, an apprenticeship is a no brainer. The figures speak for themselves with 48% of apprentices continuing employment upon completion with their apprenticeship company.
We have a week of activities lined-up here at Totton College and we are looking forward to speaking to our commercial partners and local businesses within the community, about the changes set to take place in April when the new levy comes in.”
