A new initiative has been launched to support the local workforce and safeguard critical skills in Staffordshire through the transfer of unspent apprenticeship levy funds.
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce’s Skills and Apprenticeship Hub has launched the Staffordshire Levy Pledge to support the continued growth of the county’s economy.
The hub wants to highlight that Apprenticeship Levy-paying organisations can transfer up to 50 per cent of annual levy funds to another employer.
This means that local SMEs and businesses that have exhausted their own levies can access the resources needed to take on apprentices and develop essential skills.
Any large organisations in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire that have unspent levy funds have been urged to help make a difference.
Project Manager Suzanne Quinn said: “The Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) has identified the loss of critical skills as a growing concern across Staffordshire, threatening the future success of local industries.
“These skills shortages affect businesses county-wide, including those within your own supply chain.
“The Staffordshire Levy Pledge will ensure that local organisations are able to support apprenticeships, preventing vital skills from disappearing.”
Any levy not used within 24 months expires and is returned to the government.
Sharing unspent funds prevents this money from being wasted, allowing it to be directed to local businesses and sectors that can use it for training apprentices.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council recently transferred £63,000 to 15 businesses across the city, enabling them to create 37 new apprenticeship opportunities.
Sheet metal fabricator KMF, based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, was among the companies that benefitted.
Jenny Johnston, People and Culture Manager, said: “We are so grateful to the city council’s Levy Share support, and we look forward to continuing this positive relationship. The opportunity to upskill our staff not only benefits KMF but strengthens the skills pool across North Staffordshire as well.”
Councillor Jane Ashworth, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, added: “It was vitally important that we got the most out of every penny due to the city and our young people.
“We’ve seen fantastic results through levy sharing, with more people earning while learning vital skills both on the job and through study.”
- To make a pledge, or to find out more, email [email protected].
