Your quarterly update May-August 2022
Lancashire Levy Transfer Service
Since 2017, businesses with an annual wage bill in excess of £3m have paid a levy equivalent to 0.5% of salary costs and these funds are ring-fenced for Apprenticeship training. This money must be paid to the Treasury if it is not used within two years. The Apprenticeship Levy can only be used to pay for apprenticeship training. Not all employers use all the apprenticeship levy they pay, and the surplus is either transferred to another employer or returned to general taxation. Employers that pay the Apprenticeship Levy can choose to transfer unused levy to another employer. Levy Transfer is a way of making sure the Apprenticeship Levy stays in Lancashire. How does it work? Step 1 Lancashire levy payers agree to transfer unused levy credit to another Lancashire employer. Employers that pay the Apprenticeship Levy can contact the Lancashire Levy Transfer Network by emailing info@LLTN.org.uk or calling 01772 895 500.
Step 2 They choose an employer to receive the levy funding. This may be a smaller business in their supply chain or a Lancashire based business that they want to support. The Lancashire Levy Transfer Network Team will provide support and advice on the quick and easy steps to choosing an employer to support. There is no cost to the employer who is transferring the funds. Step 3 The Lancashire employer receiving the Apprenticeship Levy supports an employee to gain new qualifications and skills. They then access the Digital Apprenticeship Service and nominate the chosen employer. The chosen employer accepts the offer of Levy Transfer and agrees to support an employee to gain new skills and knowledge. As an example, Lancashire County Council is sponsoring health and social care providers to fund training for employees. The purpose of the Lancashire Levy Transfer Network is to make a positive impact in public relations and show how employers can invest in Lancashire and help boost the regional economy. The platform is now live for SMEs to apply for funds, with further information available at lancashirelevytransfernetwork.org.uk.
Meet the team Abbie Taylor Business Engagement Executive at B&FC E abigail.taylor@blackpool.ac.uk
I am proud to be part of a team who strive in wanting to ensure our employers get the best experience they can and deliver on our promises.”
Hi, I’m Abbie Taylor and I’m a Business Engagement Executive here at B&FC. I work in the Business Development Team, working closely with a variety of SME clients across the Fylde Coast to support their workforce needs and create new business in the form of apprenticeships and commercial courses that will assist growing companies. At B&FC we understand that every company is different. That’s why we offer a FREE training needs analysis to help clients identify opportunities within the business and not just their immediate needs.
This forms part of our ongoing service, and I enjoy meeting with my clients on a daily basis to discuss ways we can upskill and develop individuals to achieve their career goals. I joined B&FC in January 2021 as a Business Development Officer. In this role I gained a wide range of knowledge and understanding which enabled me to progress onto the job I do now. My day is never the same, each day is varied and brings a different challenge to overcome. I enjoy working for B&FC and helping businesses and individuals reach their full potential.
Advice column What is the Lancashire Engaging Apprentices Project? The Lancashire Engaging Apprentices Project (LEAP) is part-funded by the European social fund and aims at supporting the trialogue between employer, apprentice and training provider. The LEAP project launched fully in November 2021 and is running until 31 December 2023. Blackpool and the Fylde College are proud to be one of the education partners working together on this project, with the University of Central Lancashire at the helm of the partnership. The key goal is to offer a blend of 1:1 support, training and skill development for both apprentice (currently studying or just finished their current level) and their employer. This project has already proven vital for many apprentices with services such as on demand wellbeing support and career enhancement. There are many industry days planned throughout the year for apprentices and employers to experience the working world around them. Find out more at blackpool.ac.uk/leap. If you are an employer with an apprentice at B&FC and would like to register your interest, or alternatively feel your apprentice would benefit from this project, then please contact our project officers and they can discuss it with you at your convenience.
Tracey Clarke, Skills Coach Apprenticeships E tracey.clarke@blackpool.ac.uk
Tech-know is a hit for Julian Julian Addington-Barker is the Lead ICT Technician at Cardinal Allen Catholic High School and completed a BSc Digital Technology Solutions (Network Engineer) Degree Apprenticeship at B&FC. F or me the highlights of the course have been the opportunity to build upon existing knowledge and learn new skills. Although the course is challenging, having a job provides some context to the course subjects which does make the modules relevant to work and easier to understand. My next move is to build upon what I have learned in the course and apply the knowledge gained to my current job role. I feel confident that the degree has given me an advantage in my current position that will enable me to grow.”
Data Analyst Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship The primary role of a data analyst is to collect, organise and study data to provide business insight. They are typically involved with managing, cleansing, abstracting and aggregating data, and conducting a range of analytical studies on that data. Data Analysts work across a variety of projects, providing technical data solutions to a range of stakeholders/customers issues. They document and report the results of data analysis activities making recommendations to improve business performance.
They have a good understanding of data structures, database systems and procedures and the range of analytical tools used to undertake a range of different types of analyses.
Additional benefits of completing the IT Apprenticeship through the BCS are:
The British Computer Society (BCS) have recently developed, through the apprenticeship standards, a range of level 4 programmes that ensures that anyone enrolled onto one of these apprenticeships receives BCS membership. The BCS Digital IT provides a pathway to various careers in digital technology.
+ Students have access to the BCS mentoring scheme
+ As a BCS apprentice you can enjoy BCS membership
+ Students can network with a global community of over 75,000 IT professionals + BCS offers the student professional development support and a clear pathway for progression throughout your career
To find out more about the apprenticeships featured here or if you’re looking to recruit an apprentice, contact our team today.
Team Leader/Supervisor Advanced Apprenticeship
On the lookout for the ideal apprentice? Come and join us at our Apprenticeships Job Fair Saturday 18 June 2022 at Bispham Campus, 10.30am-2.30pm.
This apprenticeship will help your employee become a well-rounded leader and efficiently manage a team or project by growing and developing your leadership skills through personal, team and organisational development. Throughout this course they will learn and demonstrate a range of leadership and management skills to drive, develop and successfully lead a team.
Contact us
Roles aligned to this apprenticeship include: + Supervisor + Team Leader + Project Officer + Shift Supervisor + Shift Manager On successfully completing this apprenticeship, they will be eligible to register with the Chartered Management Institute and/or the Institute of Leadership and Management as an Associate member to support their professional career development and progression.
Find out how B&FC for Business can be your partner in success. T 01253 504 343 E business@blackpool.ac.uk
blackpool.ac.uk
At the event, school leavers and current apprenticeship applicants will meet our designated Apprenticeship Team for information, advice, and guidance on the wide range of Apprenticeships we offer. As an employer, you will be able to meet potential apprentices face to face. This is a great opportunity to talk to potential applicants and find out if they would be a good fit for your business. Book your place now at: bfcapprenticeshipjobfair.eventbrite.co.uk
APPRENTICESHIP MYTH BUSTING. Did you know that anyone over the age of . 16 can now undertake an apprenticeship..