Business Update - Issue 64 (November 2020)
Updated 1 November 2021
Applies to England
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In this edition of Business Update, our round-up of business-critical news and information from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA):
- Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers Announced
- Is your business ready for changes at the end of the year?
- Plan for Jobs - Kickstart scheme and apprenticeship placements
- National Apprenticeship Awards – Regional Events
- Redundant apprentices: Statutory Instrument
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For more information about apprenticeships, you can visit apprenticeships.gov.uk or call 08000 150 600.
1. Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers announced
The Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2020 have been revealed, with the British Army securing the number one slot as the best apprenticeship employer in the country. Over 400 applications were received, with the results announced at a special online event broadcast on Wednesday 21 October.
New in 2020, the rankings showcase the very best of England’s large apprenticeship employers, with employers recognised for providing some of the most successful apprenticeship programmes over the previous 12 months.
The British Army achieved the top spot by helping over 8,000 apprentices gain new skills and progress in 2019 to 2020; with almost a fifth of its workforce currently completing apprenticeship programmes as part of their military training – in areas including engineering, telecommunications, logistics, construction, health and IT.
The new leader board of apprenticeship employers was independently developed, assessed and compiled in partnership with High Fliers Research.
View the full news story to see what Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Gillian Keegan had to say about the Top 100.
2. Is your business ready for changes at the end of the year?
The UK has left the EU and new rules for business with the EU start in January 2021. The transition period will end on Thursday 31 December 2020 and will not be extended. While the Government continues to negotiate with the European Union, there are actions your business can take now. Watch this video to find out what 2021 will mean for your business.
Watch this video to find out what 2021 will mean for your business.
Use the transition checker tool for a personalised summary of the actions you need to take. You can also stay up to date with the latest developments by signing up to receive a weekly email bulletin and attending a business sector webinar.
3. Plan for Jobs - Kickstart scheme and apprenticeship placements
Updated October 2020 - An exciting talent planning route for your business could see an apprentice joining your organisation for a Kickstart placement then progressing onto an apprenticeship with you. You would have access to the full range of financial support the government provides for apprenticeships. The practical period of the apprenticeship must start on a date up to and including Sunday 31 January 2021.
Kickstart is one of a number of skills offers for employers offering financial incentives as part of the Government’s Plan for Jobs.
4. National Apprenticeship Awards – Regional Events
We are pleased to announce that registrations are still open for the remaining regional finals of the National Apprenticeship Awards 2020, which are taking place this week.
Back for their 17th year, the National Apprenticeship Awards are a fantastic opportunity to highlight business and individual success in apprenticeships, especially given the challenges many employers and apprentices have faced during the pandemic. Each online ceremony will recognise apprentices that have gone above and beyond to make a difference whilst undertaking their apprenticeship.
Apprentice employers, apprentices and apprenticeship champions from all industries entered the awards – with over 1100 entries received.
The 9 ceremonies began on Monday 2 November and run until Friday 6 November. To register, for any of the remaining events, please follow the links below for the specific regional ceremony:
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East of England – 11:00am on 5 November 2020
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London - 2:00pm on 5 November 2020
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South East – 11:00am on 6 November 2020
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South West - 2:00pm on 6 November 2020
If you have any queries please contact apprenticeship.awards@education.gov.uk.
5. Redundant apprentices: Statutory Instrument
New legislation allowing more redundant apprentices to complete their apprenticeships came into force on Thursday 15 October.
Currently the Education and Skills Funding Agency continue to fund the apprentice to complete their programme if they are made redundant within six months of their final day of training. This allows apprentices that are close to the end of their apprenticeship to continue on programme while they look for another employer to complete their apprenticeship with, or, if they are unable to find one, allow them to complete their apprenticeship without an employer.
The amended legislation will help to support more redundant apprentices affected by Covid-19. The amended legislation will extend this support to also fund to completion all apprentices who are at least 75% of their way through their apprenticeship at the point of redundancy. This will give apprentices who have made a substantial and long-term investment in their apprenticeship the opportunity to complete their training and achieve occupational competence.
These changes will mean more redundant apprentices can complete their apprenticeship, putting them in a stronger position to secure new employment. The change applies to apprentices undertaking both standards and frameworks.
The Redundancy Support Service for Apprentices continues, providing free advice and guidance to apprentices affected by redundancy, as well as helping them to identify new apprenticeship opportunities available across the country.
More information can be found on GOV.UK