CELEBRATIONS were in order as the West Midlands Combined Authority marked helped nearly 2,500 apprentices start work across the region.
The Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme, which was set up by the WMCA three years ago, covers small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) training and assessment costs of taking on an apprentice.
It uses money pledged by big business from their own unspent Apprenticeship Levy – a Government charge on all employers with a payroll of over £3million and to pay for apprenticeship training.
This unspent money would normally go back to Government but under the initiative it is transferred via partnership with the WMCA to fund apprenticeship at smaller local firms.
To date, the scheme has benefitted close to 800 SMEs who have been able to take on apprentices thanks to the funding.
West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, said: “Linking up our local talent with the plentiful opportunities on offer in industry is central to my 100k jobs plan as we bounce back from Covid.
“We must provide routes into high-quality well-paid employment so that the young people in our region have prospects ahead to excite them and keep them and their families here in the years ahead.
“I would very much encourage firms from across the West Midlands who are looking to upskill their workforce to get in touch with us and see how we can help.
“The skills that people are learning as a result of the Apprentice Levy Transfer Scheme will set them up well for future careers and ensure we provide a lasting legacy for people across the region.”
For more visit www.wmca.org.uk/apprenticeship-levy
