Large employers that pay the Apprenticeship Levy can choose to transfer up to 25% of their levy funds each year to other organisations, to pay for their apprenticeship training and assessment. These funds have helped small and medium sized business, charities and social enterprises to invest and develop their staff.
This overall figure includes the £500,000 donated to support the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), to boost hospitality and professional services apprenticeships for the region.
Jonathan Foot, head of apprenticeships and early careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland, commented: “Within Compass we have clear career pathways and apprenticeships form a critical part of these.
“I am a firm believer in the power of these opportunities and I know they can change lives, so it makes sense to align this funding with our Mission to a Million pledge to support individuals outside our business too. It is great to get positive feedback from those taking on apprenticeships and hear from the organisations they work in how it’s helped.”
The Mission to a Million pledge aims to enhance opportunities and change lives through job creation, education, training, community and charitable engagement.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, added: “It’s good news that we’re receiving financial support from Compass Group UK and Ireland via the Apprenticeship Levy. Their generosity is enabling us to support many SMEs such as Cherry Reds café bar, as they upskill their workforce.
“Apprentices make a valuable contribution to the hospitality sector and to our wider economic growth story. I look forward to the scheme continuing to change lives for the better right across our region in the months and years ahead.”