Eligible businesses based in the Royal Borough of Kingston can access funding to pay for the training and assessment of their apprentices.

National Apprenticeship Week (5-11 February) celebrates businesses and apprentices, shining a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

Kingston Council has pledged to help reduce the cost of an apprenticeship for small businesses through its levy transfer scheme.

As a large levy paying employer, it can transfer up to a quarter of its levy funds to local businesses.

It is making the maximum 25% available through the 'pledge' system for businesses based within the borough.

Councillor Alison Holt, Deputy Leader, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development & Leisure said: "Supporting apprenticeships in our borough is an important part of council's vision for a fairer and more inclusive economy in Kingston, where businesses are well-equipped to face challenges and enable people to thrive and prosper. 

"I am delighted that we are able to use the council's levy to support local businesses to take on and train more apprentices.

"We want to make it as easy as possible for employers to create high-quality opportunities for those who live, work, or study in our borough.

"This scheme allows us to fund the training and ultimately reduce the costs for small businesses."

Cllr Holt added: "We have already supported a local nursery through the levy transfer, allowing them to up-skill an existing member of staff and recruit a new employee.

"I would very much encourage all businesses to consider how they can benefit from apprenticeships and to take a look at Kingston Council's levy transfer offer."

N Family Club, which operates a nursery in north Kingston, applied for the levy transfer in January 2024 to support two apprenticeships.

The levy transfer means that the council will use its existing levy to cover the costs of the training for these two employees.

Sophie Hayter, HR Manager at N Family Club Kingston said: "Apprenticeships serve as a cornerstone in cultivating our unique company culture.

"By growing our talent from within, we foster a sense of loyalty, commitment, and shared values among our team.

"This not only bolsters employee morale but also reinforces our distinct organisational identity.

"Moreover, offering apprenticeships enables us to provide the opportunity for new or existing team members to develop the skills needed for their role. 0

"The levy transfer kindly given to us, will mean we can offer both existing and new individuals the opportunity to undertake an apprenticeship with us'.'

Apprenticeships provide hands-on skills training from entry to master's level, allowing employees of any age to earn and learn on the job, essential for business and workforce development.

Jayde, who joined N Family Club Kingston in July 2023, will be soon starting a apprenticeship as a way to fulfil her career aspirations: "I decided to do a level three apprenticeship as I have always loved working with children and my goal is to be a room leader one day, achieving my level three while still being able to work will help me reach that goal.''

Kingston Council offers a number of different apprenticeship opportunities each year.

It currently have 53 apprentices enrolled in over 24 different kinds of apprenticeship and working with 19 training providers.

Apprentices with Kingston combine full-time work and study for a nationally recognised qualification under the management and guidance of experienced staff. 

The council recognise apprentices add value to all areas of the borough, so offering a diverse range of high-quality pathways to successful careers within the council is important.