The Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme: Advancing the Print Industry Through Collaborative Training

At BPIF Training, we are committed to developing the future talent of the UK's print, packaging, and graphic communications industries. As part of our dedication to fostering industry growth and supporting businesses of all sizes, we proudly support the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme. This initiative allows large employers to transfer up to 50% of their unspent apprenticeship levy funds to smaller businesses within our sector, enabling them to access high-quality training and development opportunities.

For Levy-Paying Organisations:

As a large employer contributing to the apprenticeship levy, you have a unique opportunity to shape the future of the print industry. From April 22, 2024, you can transfer up to 50% of your levy funds to other businesses within our sector. This increased allowance (up from the previous 25%) opens new avenues for strategic investment in our industry's workforce.

Key Benefits of Transferring Your Levy:

1. Industry Support: By transferring your unused levy funds, you directly contribute to the growth and sustainability of the print sector. Your investment helps create a more skilled, adaptable workforce across the industry.
2. Supply Chain Enhancement: Strengthen your supply chain by facilitating training for your suppliers or partners. A more capable supply chain translates to improved quality and efficiency throughout the production process.
3. Addressing the Skills Gap: The print industry, like many others, faces a significant skills gap. By funding apprenticeships in crucial areas such as Print Technician and Print Operative standards, you play a vital role in closing this gap.
4. Strategic Allocation: You have the freedom to choose which businesses, skills, or geographic areas benefit from your transfer. This allows you to align your levy usage with your corporate social responsibility goals or business strategies.
5. Long-term Industry Health: By investing in apprenticeships across the sector, you contribute to a more robust, innovative print industry that can adapt to future challenges and opportunities.

How the Transfer Works:

• Your transfer allowance is calculated as 50% of your previous financial year's apprenticeship levy funds, including the government's 10% top-up.
• Transfers can fund new apprenticeship starts in any business, whether they pay the levy or not.
• Funding covers apprenticeship training and assessment costs up to the funding band maximum.
• Your commitment extends over the duration of the apprenticeship, typically spanning multiple financial years.
• Monthly payments are deducted from your apprenticeship service account, prioritized over your own apprenticeship payments.

Find out more.

For Businesses Seeking Apprenticeship Funding:

If you're a printing business looking to train apprentices but face financial constraints, the Levy Transfer Scheme offers a golden opportunity. By receiving transferred funds, you can access fully subsidized training for your apprentices, allowing you to:

1. Develop New Talent: Train new entrants to the industry without the financial burden, bringing fresh perspectives and skills to your workforce.
2. Upskill Existing Staff: Provide career progression opportunities for your current employees, enhancing their capabilities and your business's competitiveness.
3. Address Skills Shortages: Focus on critical areas where your business needs enhanced capabilities, particularly in Print Technician and Print Operative roles.
4. Boost Productivity: Well-trained apprentices can significantly contribute to your business's efficiency and output quality.
5. Enhance Retention: Offering high-quality training opportunities can improve employee loyalty and reduce turnover.

Eligibility and Process:

• Any business can receive transferred levy funds, regardless of whether they pay the apprenticeship levy.
• You'll need an apprenticeship service account to receive funds (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/manage-apprenticeship-funds).
• Transfers can only fund new apprenticeship starts, though this includes existing employees starting new apprenticeships.
• The funding covers the duration of the apprenticeship, ensuring consistent support throughout the training period.

How BPIF Training Supports You:

At BPIF Training, we understand that navigating the Levy Transfer Scheme can seem complex. That's why we offer comprehensive support as an intermediary, assisting both levy-paying organisations and businesses seeking funding. Our services include:

1. Matchmaking: We can help connect levy-paying businesses with suitable recipients, ensuring that transfers align with industry needs and business goals.
2. Application Assistance: Our team can guide you through the application process, whether you're pledging funds or seeking to receive them.
3. Compliance Support: We ensure that all transfers comply with the scheme's regulations, minimising administrative headaches for all parties.
4. Training Guidance: We can help businesses receiving funds to identify the most beneficial apprenticeship standards for their needs, with a focus on critical areas like Print Technician and Print Operative roles.

Take Action Today:

Whether you're looking to make a significant impact by transferring your levy funds or you're seeking to access funding for apprenticeships, we're here to support you every step of the way.

To get started:

• Complete our enquiry form below
• Or email us at [email protected] with your questions or intentions

Frequently Asked Questions: Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme

Q1: What is the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme?

A: The Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme allows large employers who pay the apprenticeship levy to transfer up to 50% of their unused levy funds to other businesses. These funds can then be used to pay for apprenticeship training and assessment in the receiving businesses.

Q2: How much of my levy funds can I transfer?

A: As of April 22, 2024, you can transfer up to 50% of your annual apprenticeship levy funds. This is an increase from the previous 25% allowance.

Q3: Who can receive transferred levy funds?

A: Any business can receive transferred levy funds, regardless of whether they pay the apprenticeship levy themselves. This includes both levy-paying and non-levy paying employers.

Q4: What can transferred levy funds be used for?

A: Transferred funds can only be used to pay for apprenticeship training and assessment costs, up to the funding band maximum for each apprenticeship standard.

Q5: Can I use transferred funds for existing apprentices?

A: No, transferred funds can only be used for new apprenticeship starts. However, this can include existing employees starting a new apprenticeship.

Q6: As a levy-paying employer, can I both send and receive transfers?

A: Yes, levy-paying employers can both send and receive transfers. This allows for flexibility in managing apprenticeship funding.

Q7: What is my commitment when I transfer levy funds?

A: When you agree to transfer levy funds, you're committing to fund that specific apprenticeship for its entire duration, which is typically over multiple financial years.

Q8: How are transfer payments made?

A: Transfer payments are deducted from your apprenticeship service account on a monthly basis. These payments are prioritized over payments for your own apprentices.

Q9: What are my responsibilities when transferring levy funds?

A: As a transferring employer, you're only responsible for providing the agreed funding for training and assessment. You're not responsible for any other aspects of the apprenticeship, such as employment conditions or wages.

Q10: How can I find businesses to transfer my levy to?

A: You can either directly approach businesses you know, or you can create a transfer pledge in your apprenticeship service account. BPIF Training can also assist in connecting you with suitable businesses in the print sector.

Q11: As a receiving employer, how do I apply for transferred funds?

A: You need to have an apprenticeship service account and either be invited to receive a transfer from a known employer or apply for pledged funds through the apprenticeship service.

Q12: How can BPIF Training help with levy transfers?

A: BPIF Training can act as an intermediary, helping to connect transferring and receiving employers, assisting with the application process, ensuring compliance, and providing strategic advice on maximizing the impact of transfers within the print industry.

Q13: Can transfers be used for any type of apprenticeship?

A: Yes.

Q14: What happens if the transferring employer runs out of funds?

A: If the transferring employer's funds run out, they won't be able to make any further transfer payments. It's important for transferring employers to carefully consider their long-term funding capabilities before committing to a transfer. In this instance, the employer would need to contribute 5% of the amount of the balance owed, with the government subsidising the remaining 95%.

Q15: How do I get started with a levy transfer?

A: To get started, either as a transferring or receiving employer, please complete our enquiry form below or email us at [email protected]. We'll guide you through the next steps based on your specific situation and needs.

Levy Transfer Schemes

Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority

Howard Cordingley - [email protected]

?Co-op Levy Share (covers all of England)

https://[email protected]

?Essex County Council

Natalie McGrath - [email protected]

?Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Natalie McGrath - [email protected]

?Liverpool City Region

lcrbemore.co.uk/levy-pledgeJoe

Keegan - [email protected]

?Apprenticeships Norfolk

apprenticeshipsnorfolk.org/[email protected]

?Oxfordshire LEP

Leah Bryan - [email protected]

?Solent Apprenticeship & Skills Hub

Solent Business & Skills Solutions (Southampton City Council)

solentbusinessandskills.com/[email protected]

?Tees Valley Combined Authority

[email protected]

?

Total People (Covers most of England)

Beckie Holmes - [email protected]

?

West Midlands Combined Authority

Michael Harrop - [email protected]

?West Of England Growth Hub Western Training Provider Network

Katie Green - [email protected]

?West Yorkshire Combined Authority

(Leeds, Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Wakefield, City of York)Liam Vaughan [email protected]

Workwhile (For Greater London)

[email protected] - or complete the form at

Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Request – Workwhile

Yorkshire Learning Providers (all of Yorkshire) [email protected]

BBC Apprenticeship Partnerships

https://www.bbc.co.uk/apprenticeship-partnerships/