Businesses can benefit from Apprenticeship Levy

Cambridge Regional College apprenticeship expert Paul Skitt says businesses need to plan for the Government’s new Apprenticeship Levy which comes into operation next month.

Paul, head of employer engagement at the college – one of the country’s biggest apprenticeship providers – says businesses can benefit from the levy.

“Organisations in the Cambridge area subject to the levy could use their levy contribution to employ and train an apprentice to benefit their business and fill any local skills gaps,” he said.

“Apprentices bring big benefits to business, including a skilled workforce, improved productivity and increased employee retention rates, but we still have too few in this country.

“The Apprenticeship Levy is the Government’s way of taking direct action to encourage more employers to take on apprentices and help fund its target of three million apprentices by 2020.”

The college is running a series of free business briefings on the levy with advice on how to find and employ an apprentice.

“Apprenticeships are a cost-effective way of boosting productivity and enabling businesses to grow their skills base in-house, providing the core support and the essential skills companies need to grow,” said Paul.

“They’re available up to degree level, for all ages, and can be used to upskill existing staff as well as train new ones. Apprenticeships are highly adaptable – CRC has just launched a new plant operator apprenticeship to train more specialist workers for the new £1.5 billion A14 road improvement scheme.”

To find out more about apprenticeships and how the levy might affect your business, or to register for a breakfast seminar, ring 01223 418778 or email .

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For more information, please contact Lynn O’Shea, Cambridge Regional College Press Officer, on 01223 418773 or email