To be eligible, your business must:

• either be a small employer exempt from paying the Levy OR be a Levy-paying employer that has spent all your Levy funds for this financial year
• explain why you're unable to use other funding routes (for example co-investment funding from Government)
• meet our policy priorities (see below)
• commit to employ the apprentice for the full length of the apprenticeship and ensure host companies do the same
• agree to pre-screening and 6-monthly reviews

The apprentice must:

• live or work in Buckinghamshire
• be in a role compatible with Buckinghamshire Council services or in one of these key sectors:
  • health and social care (and life sciences)
  • construction
  • creative industries (film & TV)
  • high performance engineering
  • space
  • education

Our apprenticeship levy transfer policy allows us to allocate some of our levy funding to local employers.

This supports the council's wider goal for growing the local economy. It also aligns with the:

• Workforce and Skills Board agenda
• Buckinghamshire Skills Action Plan
• Buckinghamshire Recovery and Growth Proposition
• Buckinghamshire Strategic Vision

We review applications based on the priorities set out in the above strategies.

Benefits for Buckinghamshire

Our policy supports Buckinghamshire residents, addressing skills shortages and strengthening local partnerships.

Make sure:

• the apprenticeship hasn't started yet
• funds are for an approved apprenticeship standard
• you will pay the apprentices' salary (we only fund training and assessment)
• your business is based in Buckinghamshire
• you understand the requirement for off-the-job learning time
• you provide a contract of employment to apprentices
• if you pay a levy, you must have spent your levy for the financial year before applying
• if you do not pay a levy, explain why government funding is not an option for you
• apprentices must usually be employed for at least 30 hours per week, though part-time arrangements can sometimes be made
• you (and host companies, if applicable) agree to pre-screening and 6-monthly monitoring

You are responsible for selecting the training provider, but our Apprenticeship & Development Coordinator can help suggest suitable options.

For more information, contact our Customer Experience team on hrservicedesk@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

Apply online by completing the application form.