B&Q
“Apprenticeships are really important to B&Q, with hundreds of our colleagues at all levels currently working towards theirs and another 250 graduating earlier this month. We’re really proud to be supporting the West of England Apprenticeship Service and to give even more people the opportunity to build their skills, knowledge and behaviours in order to support their career journey.”
- Cat Willis
Apprenticeship Specialist at B&Q
Share to Support - Apprenticeship Levy Transfer
Pledge Your Unspent Apprenticeship Levy and make a difference
The Western Training Provider Network and West of England Combined Authority are calling on large employers to pledge their unspent apprenticeship levy to the 'Share to Support fund'. Pledges support small businesses across the West of England to hire and train apprentices. Get involved, you can make a difference too.
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If you are working within a large business – those with a payroll over £3m who contribute to the Apprenticeship Levy – then we can help you to put the potential of your levy to good use.
By passing on a proportion of your levy, your business can support job creation and progression opportunities in the region by funding training in smaller companies, including those in your supply chain and sector. We know that millions raised by the Apprenticeship Levy is currently going unspent in the West of England. By teaming up with us, we can keep these funds local, we can make local impact, we can change lives for the better.
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Through the apprenticeship levy transfer scheme we will work with you to identify how your apprenticeship levy could be used to support your wider business objectives. This could include:
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Supporting small businesses within your supply chain
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Developing skills for small businesses in your industry
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Furthering your corporate social responsibility strategy
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Supporting job creation and progression opportunities in the region
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Talk to us today to make a difference tomorrow
4.5 million pounds has been pledged so far in the West of England via the Share to Support scheme. This money has been able to support local businesses as well as create new jobs for the upcoming generation looking to start their dream careers.
Why should my company consider levy transfer?​
With over 45,000 SMEs in the West of England it’s key that businesses can access the skills and training they need to support them to grow. Between approximately £4m-£8m of investment in training each year is lost to the West of England and returned to the Treasury. This scheme presents an opportunity for large employers to connect with smaller businesses to drive growth in the region and create great apprenticeships for residents.
Hobbs House Bakery
‘We believe in investing in our staff through apprentice programs, comprehensive training, and growth opportunities. We are immensely grateful for the invaluable support provided by the WTPN apprentice levy program, South Glos council and University of Bristol. Without these funds, offering such opportunities would be financially challenging. Thanks to this support, we are delighted to announce our ability to offer apprentices to ten members of staff, empowering them to upskill and thrive in their careers’
- Nicky Warren,
People Development Manager
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How much can my business transfer?
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Levy-paying employers can transfer up to 50% of their annual levy funds. The transfer will take place through your business’ account on The Apprenticeship Service.
What will the money be used to fund?
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Levy funds transferred via the Share to Support scheme will be used to cover the costs of apprenticeship training for SMEs based in the West of England. The donating employer always gets the final choice of who they fund.
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Once you have made a pledge to the Share to Support fund our team will help your business:
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Identify small businesses to match you with
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Guide you through the process of transferring your levy
What else do I need to know?
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Funds are paid monthly for the duration of the Apprenticeship
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Sending and receiving employers need to be registered on The Apprenticeship Service
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The transfer can only be used to pay for training and assessment for Apprenticeships
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Only levy-paying employers can transfer funds
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Get in touch with us to find out more and discuss how your business could get involved in Share to Support:
Contact our Apprenticeship Development Managers, via email apprenticeships@wtpn.org.uk
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Businesses Who Have signed Up to the #SharetoSupport Pledge
The West of England Combined Authority is working in partnership with the Western Training Provider Network to deliver the Mayoral Priority Skills Fund. This fund provides flexible grant to meet current priority skills gaps in the region. This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
