No more apprentice caps on small businesses
Yes, that’s correct, you heard the good news! As of April 3rd 2023, the apprentice cap which limited small businesses that don’t pay the apprenticeship levy to a maximum of 10 apprentices in their business has been scrapped!
Minister Robert Halfon stated in a letter to the sector that small businesses can recruit “as many high-quality apprentices as their business needs”. This is brilliant news as many companies in the past have had to turn down hiring new apprentices because of this cap.
The cap was first introduced in January 2020, which limited to companies to a maximum of 3 apprenticeship starts, which was then increased to 10, shortly after.
Up until this point, small businesses had to request levy transfers from larger companies, who weren’t using some of their levy funds.
The new policy in place means that smaller employers can have certainty on their funding, and have access to apprenticeships to help grow their business and fill the skill gaps they’re suffering from.
This is a huge step forward for apprenticeships and is evidence that the government wants apprenticeships to be a big focus moving forward.
Apprentices are perfect for bridging skills gaps in the workforce. They allow someone to be trained within your organisation and understand how it functions. Allowing the apprentice to become a specialist within the field of work.
If this has inspired you to find out more about apprenticeships then please get in touch with Louise on 01482 211714 or louise@hbtc.co.uk.
Toby Greenfield
Toby is our Learner Engagement Marketing Apprentice and is involved with all things social media and content development. He is also responsible for attending careers events and delivering presentations. Toby is dedicated to showcasing the apprenticeship opportunities available for individuals and businesses to embark upon.
