Funding and DAS: A Quick Guide to Apprenticeship Support!

Unlock Your Potential with the Right Funding

Did you know that financial support for apprenticeships can open doors you didn’t think possible? At MBKB, we understand that navigating funding options can feel daunting. That’s why we’re here to simplify the process and help you make the most of the resources available to you.

Whether you’re an aspiring apprentice or an employer looking to upskill your workforce, this guide will walk you through the essentials of funding and the Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS).

What is DAS, and Why Does It Matter?

The Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) is a game-changer for apprenticeship funding in England. It’s an online platform where employers can:

• Access Funds: Levy-paying employers can utilise their contributions, topped up by 10% from the government, to cover apprenticeship training costs. Non-levy employers benefit from a government co-investment of 95% of training expenses.
• Manage Apprenticeships: From recruiting apprentices to arranging training, DAS simplifies the entire process.

If you’re an employer, setting up a DAS account is your first step to unlocking funding. Not sure where to start? Our team at MBKB can guide you through it.

Funding Options for Apprentices and Employers

Understanding funding can feel like a maze, but the opportunities are significant:

• Levy-Paying Employers: Organisations with a pay bill over ￡3 million contribute 0.5% to the apprenticeship levy. This fund is managed through DAS and can be used for training.
• Non-Levy Employers: For smaller businesses, the government covers 95% of training costs, leaving only 5% for you to pay.
• Incentives: Employers can receive a ￡1,000 incentive for hiring apprentices aged 16-18 or those aged 19-24 with specific needs or care backgrounds.

Extra Financial Support: Bursaries and Grants

For apprentices, additional funding options include:

• Care Leavers Bursary: ￡3,000 for apprentices in England who have been in care, paid over the first year.
• Craft and Sector-Specific Grants: Organisations like the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) offer funding for training in crafts and niche industries, with grants up to ￡18,000.

These funds can make a big difference, ensuring you can focus on your learning rather than your finances.

Tips to Maximise Your Funding

1. Plan Early: Start exploring funding options well before your apprenticeship begins.
2. Get Detailed: Provide thorough and clear applications to increase your chances of success.
3. Ask for Help: MBKB is here to guide you every step of the way.

MBKB: Your Partner in Apprenticeship Success

At MBKB, we specialise in removing barriers so you can focus on building skills and achieving your career goals. Whether it’s navigating DAS, identifying funding opportunities, or supporting your application process, our team is ready to help.

Let’s make funding work for you.

Levy Transfers: Maximising Unused Funds

Levy-paying employers often have unused funds. Instead of letting these expire after 24 months, businesses can transfer some of their annual levy funds to other employers, including those in their supply chain or local community. This approach supports sectors, skills, or regions that are important to them.

Get Involved

Have questions about funding or DAS? Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out directly to our team. Let’s keep the conversation going—because your success is our success!

Ready to take the next step? Visit MBKB or contact us today.

To find out how you can utilise the funding for your business, drop me an email at [email protected].