Businesses and organisations across Stoke-on-Trent are being encouraged to take advantage of the Government-funded apprenticeship levy share scheme, as part of celebrations for National Apprenticeship Week (5-11 February 2024).
The Apprenticeship Levy was introduced by the government to help fund apprenticeships and is designed to put the funding in the hands of employers to invest in and create apprenticeships.
The levy applies to all employers in every sector in the UK, with an allowance of £15,000; if they have an annual pay bill more than £3 million or are connected to any companies or charities for Employment Allowance purposes and have a combined annual pay bill of more than £3 million.
A home care provider based in Hanley, is already benefiting from the apprenticeship levy share, after having an application approved to work with Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Leaders from Teasdale were visited by the City Council’s Apprenticeship Hub team just before Christmas to be informed of their successful application.
The apprenticeship levy-share will cover the costs of two existing employees undertaking a Level 5 in Leadership and Management this year.
Teasdale Healthcare is a family-run homecare provider that supports people in their own home and offers bespoke care packages, including companionship and daily visits.
Leanne Eagles and Janice Braxton from Teasdale Healthcare have already completed their Levels 2 and 4 apprenticeships in health and social care and are looking forward to starting Level 5 qualification in leadership and management for the health and care sector.
Anthony Teasdale, owner of Teasdale Care said:
“Apprenticeships have made a difference to the quality of care offered by our staff and there is often scope to tailor apprenticeship learning content to the specific health and social needs of our customers, for example, customers with learning difficulties.
“We have found investing in apprenticeships has helped with staff retention too and staff can see that they can lead on to promotion within the company. Most promotion opportunities in the company are taken by internal staff – and apprenticeships give them an advantage. The Council’s levy share offer has made a difference to the numbers of staff we can afford to let start an apprenticeship at any one time.”
Councillor Duncan Walker, Cabinet Member for Adult Services said:
“It is fantastic to see Teasdale Healthcare have secured their application for the apprenticeship levy-share, which will give two of their staff the opportunity to complete their Level 5 qualification on health and social care.
“We are open to approaches from companies in the health and social care sector who are looking to upskill their staff via the apprenticeship levy-share.”
For further information on the Apprenticeship Levy-Share please contact David O’Connell or Janet Barker at apprenticeshiphub@stoke.gov.uk.
