The website of the Health Estate Journal

Many firms ‘don’t understand’ Levy

Businesses have yet to get to grips with the Apprenticeship Levy – a recent gathering of HR and operational professionals in the utilities and construction sector from companies including SGN, Siemens, Interserve, Skanska UK, Morrison Utility Services, and FCC Environment at an Industry Skills Forum co-organised by Develop Training (DTL) and Mentor Training Solutions – concluded.

The consensus was that ‘in some quarters it (the levy) is widely viewed as a tax, while in others managers are simply holding fire on making decisions about setting up apprenticeships given continued uncertainty’.

Chris Wood, chief executive of DTL, which specialises in the utilities, energy, and construction sector, said: “This is a sea change in the apprenticeships world, and businesses need help navigating through it. Our role is not only to deliver apprenticeship training, but also to advise clients on how to select and train coaches and mentors for their apprentices from among their existing workforce. For many businesses, that will be a crucial limiting factor in how many apprenticeships they can deliver.

“Firms have two years from their initial levy payments – which started last April – to draw down funds, so many are taking their time before making a decision. However, the system’s structure means delay may mean they will be unable to recoup everything they pay into the levy.”

Upcoming Events

The Fire Safety Event 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
30th April - 2 May 2024

Wales regional conference, exhibition and awards dinner 2024

International Conference Centre (ICC) Newport
28th - 29th May 2024

NAHFO National Conference 2024

Crowne Plaza Newcastle Upon Tyne
3rd - 5th June 2024

Design in Mental Health 2024

Manchester Central
4th - 5th June 2024

InstallerSHOW 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
25th - 27th June

Healthcare Estates 2024

Manchester Central
8th-9th October 2024

Access the latest issue of Health Estate Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Health Estate Journal app from your device's App store

Upcoming Events

The Fire Safety Event 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
30th April - 2 May 2024

Wales regional conference, exhibition and awards dinner 2024

International Conference Centre (ICC) Newport
28th - 29th May 2024

NAHFO National Conference 2024

Crowne Plaza Newcastle Upon Tyne
3rd - 5th June 2024

Design in Mental Health 2024

Manchester Central
4th - 5th June 2024

InstallerSHOW 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
25th - 27th June

Healthcare Estates 2024

Manchester Central
8th-9th October 2024

Access the latest issue of Health Estate Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Health Estate Journal app from your device's App store

Step Communications Ltd, Step House, North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR
Tel: 01892 779999
www.step-communications.com
© 2024 Step Communications Ltd. Registered in England. Registration Number 3893025