Firms across Sutton Coldfield have benefited from a scheme to fund apprenticeship training for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the tune of almost £200,000.

Originally set up by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) in March 2019, The Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Fund allows some of the UK’s biggest businesses to cover 100 per cent of the training cost of apprentices for SMEs by donating their unspent levy to the WMCA rather than see it returned to government.

To date, a total of £32.7m has now been pledged to the scheme with 725 SMEs benefiting from the fund.

And in Sutton, 11 SMEs in the fields of construction, business, digital and health have benefited from the levy creating a value of £193,000.

West Midlands mayor Andy Street (pictured) said: “Thanks to the generosity of large organisations donating their unspent apprenticeship levy to us, more than £30 million has been raised to boost apprenticeships across the West Midlands.

“That means thousands of people making the first step in their careers, with hundreds of local SMEs taking on staff they wouldn’t otherwise have been able to afford. Young people especially have been benefitting from our levy cash, which is incredibly important given they have been the hardest hit by the pandemic.

“So, with National Apprenticeship Week starting today, I would encourage all large employers across the West Midlands to get involved and donate their unspent levy, as well as urge people looking for work and SMEs looking to take on apprenticeships to check out our levy scheme and see how it can benefit them.”

The scheme has helped a total of over 2,280 people obtain an apprenticeship with those being supported coming from a variety of backgrounds including school leavers, graduates and those looking for a change of career.

In turn, the region ultimately benefits from more job opportunities and a boost in skills and productivity.

Under the WMCA’s deal, regional organisations can transfer their unspent levy to the combined authority’s fund – keeping the money within the region and avoiding the risk of it being sunset.

Cllr George Duggins, WMCA portfolio holder for productivity and skills, and leader of Coventry City Council, said: “This is a fantastic milestone and it is great to see so many big businesses get involved to help local businesses grow fresh talent through apprenticeship opportunities.

“Donating unspent levy can make a real difference in the lives of young people and those starting a new career, as well allow businesses to upskill their existing staff with apprenticeship qualifications.”

Businesses wishing to register their interest in the West Midlands Apprentice Levy Fund can sign up for more information.

People considering starting an apprenticeship can find out more.