Existing staff can access funding from the apprenticeship levy to further their career development. An apprentice undertakes formal training in a work-based environment.
The training must be recognised as an apprenticeship standard and delivered by an approved provider. The apprentice must meet these criteria for funding:
- Over 16 years old
- Lived in UK/EU for past three years
- Not in full-time education
- Contract of employment longer than apprenticeship duration (term-time roles possible but extend programme duration)
Further criteria may apply depending on apprenticeship type. The training provider will advise on this.
Time off for training
Apprentices must spend six hours/week or 20% of contracted hours learning new skills. The training provider will advise on requirements and whether training requires day release for college or can be delivered in the workplace.
Finding a training provider
Schools can access levy funds through the early careers team, who will help identify a training provider and provide recruitment guidance.
Recording the apprenticeship on IBC self-service
For existing staff starting an apprenticeship, record start/end dates of apprenticeship training in self-service using ‘Manage apprentices’.
In IBC self-service, go to:
- ‘My team’ and find the member of staff undertaking the apprenticeship
- In ‘employment details’ choose ‘Manage apprentices’ and fill in start/end date. Update if end date changes.
For queries or advice, contact the early careers team at apprenticeships@oxfordshire.gov.uk.