We can help take away some of the confusion about what funding and incentives you may be eligible for. From understanding the apprenticeship levy to explaining off the job training. Read more below, or get in touch with our Business Training Solutions Team or completing this enquiry form.

Apprenticeship Funding and the Levy

The Apprenticeship Levy

The apprenticeship levy applies to employers in the UK with an annual payroll of more than £3 million.

  • The levy is set at 0.5% of an employer’s annual pay bill.

  • Employers pay the levy monthly through PAYE.

  • Levy funds are accessed via the Apprenticeship Service account.

  • Funds expire after 24 months if not used.

Levy funds can be used to pay for apprenticeship training and assessment.

Employers with a Payroll Below £3 Million

Employers who do not pay the levy contribute 5% towards the cost of apprenticeship training, with the government funding the remaining 95%.

Fully funded apprenticeship training

Apprenticeship training is fully funded (100%) for:

  • Apprentices aged 16 to 21

  • Apprentices aged 22 to 24 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)

  • Apprentices aged 22 to 24 who are care leavers

In these cases, eligible employers do not contribute the 5%.

£1,000 Apprenticeship Incentive

Employers are entitled to £1,000 for:

  • Apprentices aged 16 to 18

  • Apprentices aged 19 to 24 who have an EHCP

  • Apprentices aged 19 to 24 who are care leavers

This payment is made in two instalments via the training provider.

Evidence of eligibility (such as EHCP confirmation or care leaver declaration) is required.

CITB Grants and Funding

Employers registered with CITB and up to date with levy returns may be eligible to claim additional grants.

Apprenticeship Grants – England

CITB provides grants to support employers throughout an apprenticeship.

Grants include:

  • Attendance grants paid at set stages during the apprenticeship

  • An achievement grant paid on successful completion

The apprentice must be employed by a CITB registered, levy-paying employer and completing an approved construction apprenticeship standard.

Full grant rates and eligibility criteria are available via CITB.

Short Qualification Grant

This applies to many Level 2 and Level 3 vocational qualifications, including most NVQs.

CITB provides a fixed grant payment for eligible short qualifications achieved by employees.

Eligibility requirements:

  • Employer must be CITB registered and levy-paying

  • Qualification must be on the approved short qualification list

  • The learner must be employed in the construction industry

Grant is paid on successful completion.

Long Qualification Grant

This applies to higher-level construction qualifications such as HNCs, HNDs and approved Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs).

CITB provides staged grant payments for eligible long qualifications.

Eligibility requirements:

  • Employer must be CITB registered and levy-paying

  • Qualification must be approved under the long qualification framework

  • The learner must be employed in a relevant construction role

Payments are made in instalments across the duration of the qualification.

Travel to Train Support (CITB)

CITB provides Travel to Train support for apprentices who must attend block training and stay away from home.

Funding includes:

  • 80% of accommodation and subsistence costs for approved block training

  • Reimbursement of apprentice travel costs where weekly travel exceeds the CITB threshold

Accommodation must be booked through CITB’s approved provider.

This funding is available to apprentices employed by CITB registered, levy-paying employers in England, Scotland and Wales.

Travel Support for Newly Employed Staff

Eligible newly employed individuals, including apprentices, may be able to access discounted public transport through local schemes such as Workwise in the West Midlands.

Eligibility criteria apply and applicants must apply directly through the scheme provider.

Need Support?

Funding rules can change, and eligibility depends on employer size, apprentice age and qualification type.

If you would like support understanding what your business may be entitled to claim, please contact our Business Training Solutions Team on 01922 663600 or email info@constructioncollege.co.uk.

We are happy to guide you through the process.