Correspondence

Business Update - issue 35 (July 2018)

Updated 1 November 2021

This correspondence was withdrawn on 21 September 2023

This page has been withdrawn as it is out of date.

You can read more about apprenticeships on GOV.UK.

You can find the latest from ESFA in our weekly newsletter, ESFA Update.

Applies to England

1. Apprenticeship service update

Inform

Transfer of apprenticeship service funds – restrictions lifted

The temporary restriction on how many employers a levy-payer can transfer apprenticeship service funds to will be lifted this month.

From early July, levy-paying employers will be allowed to transfer up to a maximum of 10% of their apprenticeship service annual funds to as many employers as they choose. By making a transfer to pay for an apprentice’s training and assessment, employers can support other employers who may not have considered apprenticeship training as a key part of developing their workforce.

Read more about transfers here.

A new funding projection tool

We will also be releasing a new feature for employers on the apprenticeship service that will project funds over the next four years, helping employers to plan apprenticeship programme costs.

To keep up to date with news and information about the apprenticeship service please follow us on Twitter. Employers with queries about the apprenticeship service please call the National Contact Centre helpline on 08000 150 600 or email: helpdesk@manage-apprenticeships.service.gov.uk.

2. Join our employer webinars

Action

On 24 July, we have a webinar taking place with HR Grapevine, a leading trade sector media title. The webinar will feature Karen Woodward, deputy director of employee relations at the National Apprenticeship Service, who will be offering expert advice on how to make the most from the apprenticeship levy.

A second webinar with Personnel Today will feature Personnel Today’s editor Rob Moss, Clare Bonson, head of intermediary engagement at the National Apprenticeships Service, and Claire Bennison, head of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in the UK. Taking place on 19 July, this webinar will look at how apprenticeships can help SMEs grow their business through apprenticeships.

Register and share details of these webinars with other employers, via your own social media channels.

3. Exam results time approaching

Inform/action

With exam results season drawing nearer, thousands of young people, influenced by their parents, will be making important decisions about their future. Over the summer we’re working on a series of communications activities to raise awareness about the opportunities available through apprenticeships – and to present apprenticeships as a real alternative to full-time university study and college. This will take place through social media and media relations.

We’re already working with a number of private and public sector employers and are looking for more employers to help with this work.

If you:

• have live apprenticeship vacancies in August
• have made apprenticeship offers to students who will be getting their exam results this August
• employ apprentices who have recently left school or college, and that have achieved something exceptional that may be of interest to media

Then get in touch by emailing Marcomms.MAILBOX@education.gov.uk to find out how you can get involved.

4. Apprenticeships community activation

Inform/action

We are continuing to share apprenticeships content to help generate even more apprenticeships momentum with employers. We are calling on you, apprentice employers, to share these resources over the summer. We can provide resources and you can reach a greater audience by sharing content across your channels. Please share some of the content below in your next newsletter or on your social media platforms to help the apprenticeships movement.

Please share your own videos of apprenticeships in your business, or share these videos to help raise awareness about the exciting opportunities that come from an apprenticeship…

• “It was my decision and I absolutely made the right one” – Daisy describes why she turned down five university offers to pursue an apprenticeship
• “I’m getting closer to the dream” – Stefan describes his decision to turn down college and kickstart his digital marketing career with an apprenticeship
• “I always wanted to make my family proud” – Lucy describes how an initial setback when applying for a degree apprenticeship at Accenture only made her more determined to succeed

Need careers advice? Take part in these weekly chats run by the National Careers Service.

Share the following graphics to bust misconceptions around apprenticeships for apprentices and parents:

• How apprenticeships can progress your education
• The diverse benefits of becoming an apprentice

Share the following content to spread the word about how apprenticeships benefit business:

• These key facts will tell you how the apprenticeship levy can help your business
• “Our apprentices are trained to Degree level; the majority achieve 1st class Honours” – find out how apprenticeships have benefitted large businesses like Fairfields
• “Apprenticeships are the future of the business” – find out how apprentices have helped Nottingham City Homes plan for future growth

5. Vacancy snapshot launched

Action

We have recently launched a new web platform to advertise upcoming vacancies from some of the country’s leading apprenticeship employers. Employers include Sky, BBC, Coca-Cola, Amazon, Unilever and Transport for London, amongst others. Information available on each employer includes these features:

• an overview of the employer and the roles available
• a listing of the key benefits that apprentices will be entitled to access
• a summary of the apprenticeship programme(s), what they will learn and how it will be delivered
• a listing of vacancies expected to be available in the next cycle
• information about the application process, including hints and tips for how the applicant can prepare
• a unique look behind the scenes to meet existing apprentices

Visit the vacancy snapshot to find out more.

6. Essential guide to apprenticeship support

Inform

The essential guide to apprenticeship support information has been recently updated and now includes more information on the support available to individuals who are considering applying for an apprenticeship and current apprentices. The information is useful for employers who can share with apprentices they recruit, and also parents, carers and other groups who offer advice and guidance.

7. Apprenticeships for the school workforce

Inform

A guide to apprenticeships for the school workforce has been produced and is now available on GOV.UK. The guide explains the benefits of apprenticeships and how the apprenticeship levy and public sector targets apply to schools.

8. Using the apprenticeship brand

Inform

National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) brand guidelines and logos for employers and training providers to use on marketing materials promoting apprenticeships can be found on GOV.UK. Employers requiring the apprenticeships logo in another format, please email Marcomms.MAILBOX@education.gov.uk. Other apprenticeships resources, including fact sheets and campaign information can also be found on GOV.UK.

Employers requiring the Education and Skills Funding Agency logo, please email Branding.ESFA@education.gov.uk with intended use and UKPRN number.

9. HSBC student account extended to all apprentices

Inform

Following the initial introduction of the HSBC UK Student Account to Level 4 (degree level) apprentices last year, HSBC UK is extending the availability of the account to all apprentices aged 18 and over. Extending the availability to these apprentices will enable one million apprentices to enjoy the same benefits as those studying a full time degree at a university or college.

More information can be found by visiting: https://www.hsbc.co.uk/current-accounts/products/student/.