Funding, Grants and Incentives

In April 2017, the Government changed the way it funds Apprenticeships and introduced the Apprenticeship Levy. Our team of Business Relationship Managers can guide you through the Apprenticeship levy process and will confirm with you the details of the programme including how the training and assessment will be delivered, plus the duration and costs.

Fully funded Apprenticeships

If you’re an employer with less than 50 employees, the Government will fund the total cost of the Apprenticeship for 16-18 year old Apprentices. For Apprentices aged 19 and over, a 5% employer contribution will be applied.

16-18 Incentive

All employers will be eligible to receive a £1,000 incentive payment for each 16-18 year old apprentice. Payment will be made to employers by the training provider in two equal instalments at three and 12 months.  This incentive also applies to 19-24 year olds who have previously been in care, or who have a Local Authority Education, Health and Care plan.

CITB Grants Scheme

Preston College is able to support your company to secure a CITB grant if you are working in the construction industry.
You can claim grants for individuals on approved Apprenticeships in England and Wales

• Levels 2 (intermediate) and 3 (advanced) Apprenticeship frameworks, lasting 2 years or more
• Levels 2 and above of the new Apprenticeship standards in England, lasting 1 year or more
• Levels 4 (higher) and above Apprenticeship frameworks in England and Wales, lasting between 1 and 6 years

Further information is available here

16-24 Care Leavers Bursary

The £1,000 bursary will be paid once to each care leaver in the eligible age range, when they start an Apprenticeship after 1 August 2018.  The extra financial support will be for those aged 16-24 and help them in the first year of their Apprenticeship as learners transition into the workplace for their practical studies.