The Review of the Level 3 Payroll Administrator Apprenticeship – the Funding Band

As Trailblazer Chair, on 10 February 2023, towards the end of National Apprenticeship Week 2023, I updated the profession on the progress of the review of the Level 3 Payroll Administrator Apprenticeship that went live in June 2018.

I detailed that there are three elements to every apprenticeship:

1. The Standard
2. The End-Point Assessment Plan, and
3. The Funding Band

I outlined that both the Standard and End-Point Assessment Plan had been through all review processes at the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (the IfATE) and had been approved.

The final piece of the apprenticeship ‘puzzle’ was the value of the Funding Band, currently ￡9,000.? This is essential for:

• Employers who pay the Apprenticeship Levy, as this is the maximum that can be drawn from Levy funds
• For employers who do not pay the Levy, this is the maximum amount used where an employer applies for UK Government co-funding

At the time of writing earlier in the month, the Funding Band recommendation had not received Ministerial sign-off.? On 22 February 2023, the IfATE wrote to me:

Now all of the pieces of the revised apprenticeship have been put together, it’s all about communicating.? Both the IfATE and I try to reach as many people as possible and:

• The IfATE are preparing to publish details of the revised apprenticeship, at which time the current version will be retired
• I have agreed to do a joint presentation with the IfATE on 16 March 2023 about the revisions – what’s changed, why it’s changed, the implications of the change, what about apprentices on-programme etc

Hopefully, we will reach everyone but please do pass on my details if anyone wants further information.

Again, I want to thank the Trailblazer, with whom the revised apprenticeship would not have been possible.? Plus, also, sincere thanks to the employers, apprentices, ATPs and EPAOs who have engaged with me throughout the process.

Working for the profession to ensure the Level 3 Payroll Administrator apprenticeship truly is ‘built by the profession, specifically for the profession’.