Employing an apprentice

If you’re an employer in Southwark looking to recruit or train staff, we can help. Southwark Council can transfer up to 50% of our Apprenticeship Levy to employers in the borough who wish to offer apprenticeship qualifications to their employees.

Apprenticeship training costs can range from £1,500 to £27,000, depending on the level of qualification, from GCSE to master's level. Training methods include online learning, classroom sessions, and one-to-one tuition. 

Learn more about apprenticeship training courses.

How the transfer scheme can benefit your business

The scheme can:

• upskill your existing employees, improving loyalty and retention
• grow the skills and talent within your team
• create new apprenticeship opportunities that would not exist without the funding

Eligibility requirements

To participate in the scheme, you must:

• have a business or organisation based in Southwark
• be ready to use the funds to train a Southwark resident
• pay the wages of your apprentice (the transferred funds can only cover the apprenticeship training costs)
• pay your staff and apprentices the London Living Wage
• provide updates on how your apprentice is progressing in their role

This scheme is an excellent opportunity to support apprenticeship growth within Southwark, while developing your workforce and giving local residents valuable career pathways.

How to apply

We work with Workwhile to manage levy transfers. Workwhile will be able to support and guide you through the process.

Complete the Workwhile expression of interest form or email r.singh@ippr.org for more information.

To get the most funding, you'll need to note how it will help Southwark. Your application must:

• address skills shortages in priority sectors, including health and social care, hospitality, the green economy, digital and technology
• show how you're creating apprenticeship opportunities for disadvantaged groups, such as care leavers, NEETs, those with disabilities, long-term unemployed, and residents from black and minority ethnic backgrounds

If you have any questions, email r.singh@ippr.org or localeconomy@southwark.gov.uk.