Significantly, as of 06 April 2017, employers and businesses across the UK with a wage bill of higher than £3 million per year will be required to make an investment in apprenticeships. Those with a payroll below this threshold will also have to contribute if they train apprentices.

On top of this, schools that are part of academy trusts may be subject to the levy if their group payroll is in excess of £3 million.

In addition to the impact this may have on businesses and other organisations, colleges, training providers, and schools should also be aware of how the changes may affect them.

Two webinars have been arranged by Virtual College to help the different audiences understand the complex changes taking place and how best to work within the new Apprenticeship Levy requirements.

Virtual College’s education specialist, Mark Harrison, will be hosting the webinars with funding expert Rob George on hand to provide detailed answers to any questions posed by the webinar participants. With over seventeen years of experience working in the education sector to help training providers forecast funding revenues, Rob is widely regarded as a leading authority in his field.

Both of the free webinars are CPD accredited and will take place on 08 March.

By attending the webinar version for schools, colleges and training providers, 11:00 – 12:00, you will learn

• how the apprenticeship system is changing
• what the different funding bands mean
• how the payment process will work
• how the "Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers" will work

By attending the webinar version for companies and organisations, 14:00-15:00, you will learn

• how the apprenticeship system is changing
• how to work out the amount your business will have to pay
• how much funding your business will receive
• what the Digital Apprentice Service is and how the payment process will work