Walsall Council has launched a new Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme, which will enable eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the borough to apply for and access funding to help train newly recruited apprentices, upskill staff and support local employment.

The scheme will support Walsall employers to take on new apprentices or develop the skills of their existing workforce, while helping more local people gain qualifications, hands-on experience and routes into employment. It will be funded through a proportion of Walsall Council’s unused apprenticeship levy, ensuring money set aside for skills and training is invested back into the borough rather than being returned nationally.

“ This scheme is about making sure apprenticeship funding stays in Walsall and supports the people and businesses who can benefit from it most. Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for residents to gain skills, qualifications and real workplace experience, while helping local employers grow the talent they need. “

Councillor Lisa Jones, Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Skills
Walsall Council

Walsall Council has already supported 918 people to start apprenticeships. The new Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme will help increase this number by enabling more local employers to create apprenticeship opportunities.

The Apprenticeship Levy is paid by larger employers with an annual payroll of more than £3 million and can be used to fund apprenticeship training and assessment costs. Larger employers can also transfer unused levy funds to other organisations.

The scheme supports the council’s wider commitment to inclusive economic growth by investing in local talent and helping residents develop the skills needed for sustainable employment.

For details of the eligibility criteria, application process and available funding, visit the council's Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme webpage. 

Businesses interested in learning more about the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme can complete the Levy Transfer Expression of Interest Form and return it to apprenticeships@walsall.gov.uk.

• The Apprenticeship Levy is a UK-wide employer tax paid by organisations with an annual payroll of above £3 million. It is charged at 0.5% of the employer’s pay bill and can be used to fund apprenticeship training and assessments. Large employers can also transfer a proportion of their unused levy funds to other organisations.
• Levy-paying employers can transfer a proportion of their unused apprenticeship levy funds to other eligible employers.