Latest News

Essex County Council Funding – Up to £2000 per apprentice! 

 

Essex County Council is offering the Essex 200 Apprenticeship Support Fund to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) hire and support apprentices.

Secure up to £2,000 in funding per apprentice, with funds provided in two equal payments.

Eligibility criteria:

  • Either the business or the apprentice must be located within an Essex postcode area
  • Must be a Small or Medium-sized Enterprise (SME)
  • Apprentices must have joined the workplace within the last 3 months
  • Apprentices must be enrolled in an approved apprenticeship training programme between 01 September 2024 and 31 August 2025

How to apply for the funding:
Applications for employers are now open by accessing the Apprenticeship Support Fund online application form

Or contact the team by email at [email protected]

 

2024/25 Apprenticeship Funding Rules

 

The new funding rules for 2024/25 have been created by the Education and Skills Funding Agency and apply to all new apprentice starts from 01/08/2024. This document sets out the rules for training providers and employers receiving any funding for delivering apprenticeship training.

Adult Care Worker Level 2 and Lead Adult Care Worker Level 3

 

The Adult Care Worker Level 2 and Lead Adult Care Worker Level 3 apprenticeship courses now have a new government maximum funding cap of £4000 for the delivery of the full course. This price may be reduced if learners have RPL (recognised prior learning). The new price of £4000 will only apply to apprentices enrolling after 26/06/2023 and the new 5% contribution fee for non-levy employers is £200.

 

Enrichment Module For All Apprenticeship Courses

 

We have introduced a new module within all our apprenticeship courses to focus on equipping apprentices with skills and knowledge in 4 key areas. These areas are: Careers, Maths and English life skills, Personal Safety, and Employability. The enrichment module will be embedded throughout the apprenticeship programmes and will only apply to those enrolling after 01/06/2023. More information can be found within the training plan.

 

Safeguarding Email Address

 

Here at VTS, we are committed to ensuring the safety of our learners and those around them. We have a safeguarding team dedicated to helping those who may need some additional support and guidance, they can now be contacted at [email protected].

 

Apprentice Support Centre

 

The Government apprenticeship website have developed a helpful Apprentice Support Centre aimed at providing apprentices with lots of information about the roles and responsibilities of those involved in their course, the meaning of ‘off-the-job’ training, and what is involved in the assessment process (EPA).