GC supports SMEs with apprenticeship service changes

In light of the recent government change, which allowed non-levy paying SMEs to gain full access to the Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS), Gloucestershire College is reassuring county businesses that it can support them through the process of administering and paying for apprenticeship training.

Since its launch in 2017, only large levy-paying employers with a wage bill of more than £3m had full access to the DAS, which enables them to manage their apprenticeship funding, choose and advertise suitable apprenticeships, select a provider to deliver their training and more.

The main benefit of the service is that it provides employers with the choice over how they want to control the use of apprenticeships and make them work for their business. From January 2020, all SMEs can administer their apprenticeship contracts via the DAS, just as larger levy-paying employers have been doing for the last three years.

Julie Tegg, Director of Employer Training, said: “At Gloucestershire College we are experienced in using the Digital Apprenticeship Service and currently work with over 1,000 employers to deliver high quality apprenticeship training.

“We have helped both large and small scale employers get their heads around the levy since it was introduced in 2017, and work with them to make the system work for their business. Despite the recent change, we will continue to support employers so they too can understand, utilise and benefit from the apprenticeship service; ultimately benefitting our people, economy and future.

“Our dedicated GC Business Hub teams are on hand to answer any questions you have, support you through the process of paying for your training using government funding, registering for the service as it is rolled out and even with recruitment – all free of charge.

“You will still be able to continue to organise your apprenticeship training as we have a contract with the government, but remember, when the time comes and you have to transition to the service we are here to help.”

The government is urging non-levy paying SMEs to sign up to the Digital Apprenticeship Service to secure their funding to grow their workforce skills of the future, before the end of the transition period in the autumn.

If you are a Gloucestershire employer looking for advice on the changes to the apprenticeship service, please contact the GC Business Hub on 01452 563400 or email business.hub@gloscol.ac.uk and they will be happy to help.