Financial incentives

Signposting is one of the four pillars underpinning the Apprenticeships Ambassador Network (AAN). Here we show you some of the help available to pay for apprenticeship training and assessment. Ask your training provider if you need any help with this.

Funding rules and guidance 2021-22

This document sets out the guidance that applies to all employers participating in the apprenticeship programme. It includes the funding rules, which apply to all employers participating in the apprenticeship programme through a digital account on the apprenticeship service.  Read more here.

Training costs

Provided your wage bill is less than £3 million per year, you only pay 5% of the training and assessment costs for apprentices. Read more here and here.

Recruiting young apprentices

Employers can claim £1,000 for hiring an apprentice aged 16 to 18 years old, or under 25 with an education, health and care plan, or who has been in the care of their local authority.  To receive the full payment, the apprenticeship must last for at least one year. Read more here and here.

Apprenticeship Levy Transfer – for SMEs

Employers who do not pay the Levy can use the Apprenticeship Service to access funds for training gifted by (larger) Levy-paying employers. Read more here and here.

Apprenticeship Levy Transfer – for larger employers

Employers who pay the Apprenticeship Levy can transfer any unused funds to help smaller employers. Read more here and here.