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Maximise Your Levy – Do not Let Your Funds Go to Waste

Maximise Your Levy – Do not Let Your Funds Go to Waste

If you are an employer paying into the Apprenticeship Levy, you could be missing a powerful opportunity to upskill your workforce and grow your business. Every year, millions of pounds in unused levy funds are returned to the Treasury – funds that could have been invested in training, development, and future-proofing your organisation.

Here is how to ensure you are getting the most out of your levy and not letting your contribution go to waste.

What is the Apprenticeship Levy?

The Apprenticeship Levy is a government initiative introduced in 2017 to fund apprenticeship training in England. If your payroll exceeds £3 million per year, you will already be paying 0.5% of that total into the levy. These funds are held in a digital account and can be used to pay for apprenticeship training and assessment.

However, if you do not use your funds within 24 months, they expire – and are returned to the government. That is training budget you are already paying for, gone.


Why Use Your Levy?

• Develop new talent: Train apprentices to meet your organisation’s unique needs.

• Upskill your workforce: Support existing employees to gain new qualifications and skills.

• Boost retention and productivity: Invest in your team’s development to foster loyalty and efficiency.

• Strengthen succession planning: Prepare future leaders from within your current staff.


Top Tips to Maximise Your Levy

1. Review Your Training Strategy

Consider where skills gaps exist or where you would benefit from structured training. Apprenticeships are not just for school leavers – they are for all ages and levels.

2. Partner with a Trusted Training Provider

Work with a provider like [Your Organisation Name] who can help you navigate the system, match apprenticeships to your needs, and deliver high-quality training.

3. Use Levy Transfers Wisely

If you are not planning to use all your funds, you can transfer up to 25% of your levy to other employers – especially SMEs – helping your wider supply chain and community benefit too.

4. Stay Informed

Levy rules evolve. Regularly review government guidance or speak to an advisor to stay on top of deadlines and opportunities.

5. Start Now

Do not wait until it is too late. Each month’s unused funds will begin expiring after 24 months, so the sooner you act, the more value you will retain.


The Bottom Line

You have already invested – now it is time to see a return. Apprenticeships are a cost-effective, impactful way to grow your business from the inside out. Do not let your levy funds slip away unused. Let us turn that investment into skilled, motivated talent.